Iran talks with Europeans set for Friday; White House sees ‘substantial chance’ for renewed negotiations

A federal appeals court has ruled that President Trump can maintain control over California National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles, overturning a lower court's decision that said he overstepped his authority by federalizing state forces during protests.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about troop deployments—it’s a power struggle between federal and state governments. The ruling sets a precedent for how much leeway a president has in commandeering state resources during civil unrest, which could have long-term implications for future protests or emergencies. For now, Trump’s move stands, but the debate over who calls the shots isn’t going away.

A creepy situation unfolded in Memphis when a man was arrested for allegedly stalking and attempting to kidnap the city's mayor. Police say he was spotted lurking around the neighborhood with a Taser, rope, and duct tape—pretty much a kidnapper's toolkit. The mayor is safe, but it’s a chilling reminder of the risks public figures face.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crime story—it’s a direct threat against a city leader, which shakes public trust and raises questions about safety for officials. When someone’s bold enough to target a mayor, it’s a red flag for how far extremism or personal vendettas might go. Plus, it’ll likely fuel debates about security measures for local politicians.

In a tight match against Saudi Arabia, defender Chris Richards became the unlikely hero for the U.S. men’s national team, scoring the winning goal off a clever flick from a second-half free kick. The 1-0 victory secured their spot in the Gold Cup quarter-finals, though the attack struggled to break down a stubborn Saudi defense.

Editor’s Note: While it wasn’t a flashy performance, this win keeps the U.S. on track in the Gold Cup—a tournament they’re expected to contend for. Richards’ goal is a bright spot, but the team’s attacking struggles raise questions about consistency heading into the knockout stages. For fans, it’s a relief to advance, but there’s work to do if they want to lift the trophy.

A federal appeals court handed former President Trump a significant victory in his ongoing power struggle with California Governor Gavin Newsom. The court ruled that Trump likely acted within his legal rights when he took control of the National Guard in Los Angeles—even though he didn’t notify Newsom beforehand. This decision reinforces federal authority over state National Guard units in certain situations, a contentious issue that’s been simmering for years.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Trump and Newsom—it’s a bigger fight over who calls the shots when federal and state leaders clash. The ruling could set a precedent for how much power presidents have over National Guard deployments, especially in politically charged moments. For Californians, it’s another chapter in the state’s pushback against federal overreach, but for now, the courts are siding with D.C.

Former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, who was reassigned during the high-profile Karen Read case, is now fighting to get his job back—and he’s brushing off allegations of corruption with a laugh. Proctor claims he deserves reinstatement now that Read’s trial is over, but the controversy around his conduct during the investigation isn’t going away quietly.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one cop wanting his old job back—it’s about public trust in law enforcement. Proctor’s dismissal (and his casual reaction to serious accusations) raises questions about accountability, especially after a case that already had people questioning how the investigation was handled. If he’s reinstated without clear resolution of the allegations, it could fuel deeper skepticism about how police discipline works behind the scenes.