Key facts
- Major US television news outlets suspended coverage of President Trump due to a media access row.
- The White House banned journalists from CNN, MS Now, and Politico.
- The affected news outlets are filing a lawsuit to challenge the ban.
- President Trump is expected to discuss an energy ceasefire with Russia with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the UN.
- US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stopped publicly disclosing the locations of thousands of detainees facing deportation.
- Houthi fighters are advancing to seize strategic terrain in Yemen after President Trump halted US airstrikes.
The dispute over media access to the US presidency has escalated, with several major television news outlets agreeing to suspend their video coverage of President Donald Trump. This action follows the administration's decision to ban journalists from CNN, MS Now, and Politico from entering the White House grounds. President Trump stated the ban was due to "purposely negative stories" about him.
In response to the ban, CNN, MS Now, and Politico announced they are filing a lawsuit to protect their First Amendment rights, asserting that the government should not dictate press coverage. The ban meant that no broadcaster was present to cover Trump's midday ribbon-cutting for a new White House helipad, with the administration providing its own livestream where the president's remarks were inaudible.
In other news, Paramount has reached a settlement with California and other states regarding its proposed $81 billion merger with Warner Bros Discovery, potentially consolidating significant television networks and studios. President Trump is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York to discuss an energy ceasefire with Russia, a move that comes as world diesel prices have risen due to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Trump has previously blamed Kyiv for the escalating energy situation.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has unannouncedly ceased publicly disclosing the locations of thousands of detainees facing final deportation orders, making it harder for lawyers and relatives to find them. Separately, US Representative Veronica Escobar reported being prevented from fully conducting her congressional oversight duties at Camp East Montana, including speaking with detained immigrants. A Venezuelan man, Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, spoke out from ICE detention, detailing his pain and lack of medical attention despite having a bullet lodged near his spine.
In international affairs, Houthi fighters are advancing to seize strategic heights in Yemen, potentially cutting off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed forces. This move follows President Trump's last-minute decision to call off US airstrikes against the group, reportedly as bombs were being loaded. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged Trump to intervene to halt the Houthi advance. The UK has agreed to provide defensive air support to Saudi Arabia.
In other developments, Representative Lauren Boebert has denied allegations in a House ethics complaint, calling them part of a "politically motivated" campaign. Two helicopter pilots died fighting a fire in Yosemite National Park. Charges were dropped against five Stanford University students involved in a protest against Israel's war on Gaza. A Vermont man was convicted of attempted murder for shooting three Palestinian college students. A Black Tesla employee has accused the company of racial discrimination. A US judge declined to block the transfer of wildlife refuge land to SpaceX. In the case of Lindsay Clancy, a mistrial was declared, with one juror reportedly favoring conviction while the others were ready to acquit. California is preparing for record El Niño storms, with the governor declaring a state of emergency. Finally, a man in Burbank was charged with misdemeanor battery for pepper-spraying moviegoers.