California, other states sue Trump administration over $100,000 fee for H-1B visas

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that prevents states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, a move that has been welcomed by tech leaders but criticized by those concerned about the potential risks of unregulated AI.

Pop star SZA has publicly criticized the White House for using her song in a promotional video related to immigration enforcement, labeling the action as 'evil and boring.' This condemnation aligns her with other artists, including Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, who have expressed similar sentiments regarding the use of their music in political contexts.

The Trump administration has directed national park gift shops to review and remove merchandise that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reflecting a broader initiative to diminish DEI efforts within federal agencies. This directive follows a memo issued last month by the acting National Park Service director.

The FDA has announced a recall of cinnamon distributed in California and other states due to potential lead contamination, prompting consumers to check their spice racks for affected products. This recall highlights ongoing concerns regarding food safety and contamination risks in the food supply chain.

After record-breaking rains, Lake Manly has reappeared in Death Valley, California, at the bottom of Badwater Basin, which is 282 feet below sea level. This temporary lake is a result of repeated fall storms that have led to significant water accumulation in the area.

Leaders of a secretive religious group in California are under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies following the disappearance of a member and a former member, alongside the tragic death of a child linked to the group. The investigations raise serious concerns about the group's practices and the safety of its members.

The Trump administration has requested a federal appeals court to intervene in Judge James Boasberg's investigation regarding Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's potential criminal contempt of court over deportation flights that allegedly violated a court order. This legal maneuver aims to halt the ongoing scrutiny of Noem's actions related to controversial immigration policies.

The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against 18 states, including four new states and Fulton County in Georgia, as part of an extensive effort to access sensitive voter data. This legal action is part of the Trump administration's broader initiative to scrutinize voter information across the country.