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Trump Justice Department Holds ‘Productive’ Private Talks With Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida

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Trump Justice Department Holds ‘Productive’ Private Talks With Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (BN24) — Ghislaine Maxwell held what her legal team called “productive” discussions with the U.S. Justice Department this week, in a closed-door meeting that marked the first formal engagement between Maxwell and federal prosecutors under President Donald Trump’s current administration.

The meeting took place at a federal courthouse in Tallahassee and lasted the entire day, according to her attorney David Oscar Markus. Present for the high-level talks was Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a longtime Trump associate recently appointed to the role following his leadership in the former president’s legal defense team.

“We had a very productive day today with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Ghislaine Maxwell,” Markus said to reporters outside the courthouse. “We want to thank the deputy attorney general for being so professional with all of us and taking the time to meet face-to-face.”

Markus, who did not elaborate on the subject matter of the meeting, emphasized that Maxwell was forthcoming throughout the session. “He took a full day and asked a lot of questions. And Ms. Maxwell answered every single one,” he said.

Maxwell, 62, is currently serving a 20-year federal sentence after being convicted of trafficking underage girls for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The discussions come at a time of renewed political interest in Epstein’s global network and could signal a shifting approach from Trump’s Department of Justice, though neither side confirmed the purpose or implications of the meeting.

“She never invoked any privilege, never declined to answer. She responded to every question truthfully, honestly, and to the best of her ability,” Markus added. “That’s all we’re going to say today about the meeting. We won’t comment on the substance of it for obvious reasons.”

When asked whether Maxwell would be subject to further questioning or whether the meeting was part of a broader agreement or cooperation deal, Markus declined to comment. The Justice Department, for its part, has not released a public statement confirming the nature or goals of the visit.

Maxwell’s appearance in Tallahassee, as well as the involvement of Deputy Attorney General Blanche—a figure closely linked to President Trump—has sparked intense speculation about what role, if any, Maxwell may play in future Justice Department investigations or legal proceedings connected to the Epstein case. The fact that the talks occurred in private only deepened the intrigue surrounding the encounter.

Legal analysts say the meeting could be a prelude to further cooperation or an internal DOJ assessment of Maxwell’s potential to provide relevant information tied to open or sealed federal cases. Yet for now, the details remain sealed behind courtroom doors, and no official indication has been made that a deal is on the table.

Maxwell’s conviction last year ended a high-profile legal saga, but the lingering questions about Epstein’s powerful connections—including several who moved in political, royal, and financial circles—have continued to cast a long shadow.

48 Dead in Passenger Plane Crash in Russia’s Far East, Officials Confirm

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48 Dead in Passenger Plane Crash in Russia’s Far East, Officials Confirm

MOSCOW (BN24) — Forty-eight people lost their lives Thursday in a tragic plane crash in Russia’s Far Eastern Amur region, officials announced, as rescue teams discovered the burning wreckage deep in a remote forested hillside.

The Soviet-era Antonov An-24 passenger aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Blagoveshchensk, a city on the Russian-Chinese border, to Tynda, a town located further inland. Authorities said the crash site was found approximately 15 kilometers south of Tynda amid dense woodland, where the aircraft was almost completely destroyed by fire.

Regional Governor Vasily Orlov confirmed that all passengers and crew aboard the flight perished. He declared three days of official mourning to honor the victims. “Tragically, there are no survivors,” Orlov said in a video address, adding that rescuers were still struggling to reach the isolated crash location due to challenging terrain and weather conditions.

The Antonov An-24, a twin-turboprop plane first introduced nearly five decades ago, was operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines. Reports indicated 48 individuals were aboard, including 43 passengers—five of whom were children—and six crew members. Some discrepancies in passenger numbers were noted, with Russian emergency officials initially citing 49 people onboard.

The flight originated from Khabarovsk before stopping in Blagoveshchensk, from where it departed toward Tynda. According to the Far Eastern transport prosecutor’s office, the plane lost contact during a second landing attempt at Tynda, under adverse weather conditions, as revealed by unnamed emergency service sources.

Russian state media circulated images of the crash site, showing scattered debris and thick smoke rising from the forest. The Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) confirmed their ongoing investigation into the causes of the crash, with flight safety violations being considered as a possible factor.

Aviation accidents have been a persistent issue in Russia, particularly amid increased operational challenges brought on by international sanctions that have strained the country’s aviation sector, affecting maintenance and procurement of new aircraft.

This tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the region in recent years, prompting national mourning and a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

Credit: punching.com

Israeli Protest in Tel Aviv Over Gaza Food Crisis as UN Warns of Famine

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Israeli Protest in Tel Aviv Over Gaza Food Crisis as UN Warns of Famine

TELAVIV, Israel (BN24)—Dozens of Israeli activists marched through Tel Aviv on Tuesday, protesting what they described as the Israeli government’s role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid agencies warn of widespread famine and rising child mortality.

Gathering at HaBima Square, demonstrators carried placards reading “Starvation is a War Crime” and “It’s Being Done in Our Name.” The group marched toward the Israeli Ministry of Defense carrying symbolic sacks of flour, denouncing the alleged weaponization of food and forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The protest comes amid escalating international concern over what the United Nations has described as a “man-made famine.” In a June 2025 statement, the UN condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid into Gaza, declaring the blockade and resulting starvation a violation of international law and a potential war crime.

UN: Famine Crisis Escalates in Gaza

More than 2.1 million Palestinians are now living in increasingly dire conditions, with the majority displaced and crowded into 12 percent of Gaza’s territory. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the territory’s food, water, and medical supplies are at “unprecedented” scarcity levels.

Humanitarian agencies report that food convoys remain blocked at Gaza’s borders while malnutrition rates—especially among children—have doubled in recent months. Al Jazeera cited medical sources reporting the deaths of 21 children from starvation in just 72 hours this week, amid widespread shortages.

At Gaza’s overwhelmed hospitals, including Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah and Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, staff report a surge in patients suffering from acute food deprivation. Among the deceased were two newborns and a young child.

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Director of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society, warned that Gaza has entered a critical phase of famine. “We are seeing irreversible damage—children with memory loss, pregnant women with severe deficiencies, and no medical infrastructure to support them,” he said.

Airstrikes Compound Humanitarian Disaster

Tuesday’s protest also coincided with reports of renewed Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. According to local hospital officials, at least 45 Palestinians were killed in a single day, including five civilians—three of them children—near the Ali Ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Gaza City. Thirteen others died in pre-dawn shelling of a tent encampment at Al-Shati refugee camp.

The rising civilian toll has intensified calls for international intervention. The Arab League urged the UN to pass an emergency resolution ending the siege and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid. Algeria and Somalia, both currently serving as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, have been tasked with lobbying for the resolution.

Professional Unions Join Global Appeals

Palestinian professional associations including doctors, journalists, and lawyers—have joined the outcry. In a rare joint statement, they appealed to global unions and human rights organizations to condemn what they called a “systematic starvation policy” and demand accountability under international humanitarian law.

Medical workers in Gaza describe operating under extreme conditions, with hospitals running at 250% capacity and supplies exhausted. Some doctors report being forced to treat patients while suffering from hunger themselves.

The situation has sparked outrage beyond the region. U.S.-based company GHF and its CEO, Johnnie Moore—an evangelical pastor and outspoken supporter of Israel—have come under scrutiny following reports linking them to controversial food distribution operations in Gaza. Critics accuse GHF of exacerbating civilian suffering by allegedly controlling food flows in what they called “Hunger Games-style tactics.”

A Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolding

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) recently reported that more than 5,500 children in Gaza are now suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Estimates suggest 17,000 children are at immediate risk, with hundreds arriving daily at hospitals exhibiting signs of starvation-related cognitive dysfunction.

“We are facing a full-blown famine,” said a UN spokesperson. “The main threat in Gaza is no longer airstrikes—it’s hunger.”

Credit: punching.com

Hulk Hogan, Legendary Wrestling Icon and Cultural Phenomenon, Dies at 71 in Florida

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Hulk Hogan, Legendary Wrestling Icon and Cultural Phenomenon, Dies at 71 in Florida

CLEARWATER, Fla. (BN24) — Hulk Hogan, the charismatic titan of professional wrestling who catapulted the sport into mainstream popularity and became a pop culture icon across generations, died Thursday in Florida at age 71 following a cardiac arrest.

Authorities confirmed that emergency medics responded to Hogan’s Clearwater home Thursday morning, and the wrestling legend—whose real name was Terry Bollea—was pronounced dead less than 90 minutes after arrival at a nearby hospital. Police said there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

Hogan’s death marks the end of a towering era in professional wrestling. Known for his signature blond mustache, red-and-yellow attire, and the famous rallying cry “Hulkamania,” Hogan was the driving force behind the rise of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in the 1980s and ’90s. His star power launched the company’s first WrestleMania in 1985 and fueled decades of arena sellouts, television ratings, and pay-per-view records.

“He was a trailblazer—the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon,” said WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Hogan faced wrestling legends like André the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, The Rock, and even McMahon himself, winning at least six WWE championships and earning a Hall of Fame induction in 2005.

His broad appeal stretched well beyond the ring. Hogan appeared in movies like Rocky III and starred in his own VH1 reality show, Hogan Knows Best. His larger-than-life charisma and theatrical bravado made him a beloved figure even among those who never watched wrestling.

In recent years, Hogan became active in conservative politics. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, he delivered a dramatic endorsement of President Donald Trump by fusing his iconic wrestling persona with campaign theatrics. Ripping off a shirt to reveal a red “Trump-Vance” campaign tee, Hogan roared, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” to thunderous applause.

Trump responded to news of Hogan’s death with a tribute on Truth Social: “We lost a great friend today, the Hulkster. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way—strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”

Born in Georgia but raised in Florida, Hogan first encountered pro wrestling at Tampa’s Sportatorium and vowed to join the sport. After a punishing encounter with veteran wrestlers that left him with a broken leg, his father offered a stern warning: Don’t ever let anyone hurt you again. Hogan returned months later, determined—and never looked back.

He captured his first WWF championship in 1984 and helped usher in the inaugural WrestleMania the following year, teaming with Mr. T to defeat Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. He later body-slammed André the Giant at WrestleMania III, an iconic moment that symbolized pro wrestling’s surge into the mainstream.

His feud with Randy Savage, and later his transformation into the villainous “Hollywood Hogan” with the New World Order (NWO) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), made him central to the Monday Night Wars, a ratings battle between WWE and WCW that reshaped the industry.

Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 and won a championship once again, proving his enduring popularity. His showdown with The Rock at WrestleMania X8—a match where fans cheered him despite his “heel” persona—remains one of wrestling’s most memorable moments.

He was also known for his electric interviews and “promos,” often beginning with his catchphrase: “Well, lemme tell ya something, Mean Gene!” in reference to interviewer Gene Okerlund.

But Hogan’s life outside the ring wasn’t without controversy. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded him $115 million in a privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, which had published a sex tape involving Hogan and a friend’s wife. Though he prevailed in court, the scandal strained his relationship with WWE, which temporarily cut ties with him after reports surfaced that Hogan had used racial slurs in the tape. He publicly apologized, calling his language “unacceptable.”

In April, Hogan announced his newest venture: serving as the first commissioner of the Real American Freestyle organization, which markets itself as the world’s first “unscripted” pro wrestling league. Its debut event is scheduled for August 30 at Cleveland State University.

“The idea was so exciting—to guide a new generation of talent and help make them stars,” Hogan said at the time. “People might be surprised, but wrestling is wrestling, brother.”

Despite personal and professional setbacks, Hulk Hogan remained a revered figure in American pop culture—admired by fans who continued to see him as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and showmanship.

“Everywhere I show up, people treat me like I’m still the champ,” Hogan said during a 2016 court appearance, smiling at the outpouring of support.

He is survived by his children and a legacy that reshaped the landscape of professional wrestling—and entertainment—as we know it.

Macron Sues Candace Owens Over Claims French First Lady Was Born Male-Reuters

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Macron Sues Candace Owens Over Claims French First Lady Was Born Male-Reuters

PARIS (BN24) — French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, filed a defamation lawsuit Wednesday in Delaware Superior Court against U.S. right-wing influencer and podcaster Candace Owens, accusing her of orchestrating a global smear campaign by falsely claiming that France’s first lady was born male.

The lawsuit marks a rare and high-profile international defamation case involving a sitting world leader and reflects the Macrons’ growing frustration over what they call a sustained campaign of public humiliation. In the complaint, the couple alleged that Owens knowingly propagated “verifiably false” claims, including the assertion that Brigitte Macron, 72, was born as “Jean-Michel Trogneux,” the name of her older brother.

“Owens has dissected their appearance, their marriage, their friends, their family, and their personal history — twisting it all into a grotesque narrative designed to inflame and degrade,” the lawsuit states. “The result is relentless bullying on a worldwide scale.”

The legal action targets Owens’ eight-part podcast series titled Becoming Brigitte, which has amassed over 2.3 million views on YouTube, as well as related content posted to her social media platforms. Owens has more than 6.9 million followers on X and more than 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube.

In her most recent podcast episode, Owens called the lawsuit “littered with factual inaccuracies” and described it as a “desperate public relations strategy.” She said she was not informed in advance that a lawsuit would be filed, though the Macrons’ attorneys stated that legal teams had been in contact since January.

A spokesperson for Owens framed the lawsuit as an attack on the First Amendment, claiming it represented “a foreign government attacking the free speech rights of an American independent journalist.”

In a joint statement released by their lawyers, the Macrons said Owens had rejected three formal demands to retract the defamatory statements. “Ms. Owens’s campaign of defamation was plainly designed to harass and cause pain to us and our families and to garner attention and notoriety,” the couple stated. “We gave her every opportunity to back away from these claims, but she refused.”

The case, filed as Macron et al v. Owens et al, underscores the legal challenges public figures face when bringing defamation suits in the United States, where the threshold for proving “actual malice” is high. Plaintiffs must show the defendant knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

The lawsuit alleges that Owens went beyond commentary and into a realm of malicious falsehoods, spreading rumors that Brigitte Macron had transitioned genders and stolen another identity. The complaint also refers to false insinuations that the Macrons are blood relatives involved in an incestuous relationship.

These rumors, which first circulated online in 2021, have gained attention in recent years on platforms hosted by prominent conservative voices, including Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan. The complaint also references the Macrons’ long-public relationship, stating that Emmanuel Macron, now 47, met Brigitte when he was a high school student and she was a teacher — a relationship that “remained within the bounds of the law.”

Last year, Brigitte Macron won a defamation case in a French court against two women who helped spread gender-related rumors, including one who identified as a medium. That ruling was overturned on appeal this month, and Brigitte has since appealed to France’s highest court.

The Macron lawsuit arrives amid a broader surge in international defamation disputes involving high-profile political figures. In the U.S., President Donald Trump has filed multiple defamation lawsuits, including a $10 billion suit against The Wall Street Journal over a report alleging he created a lewd birthday greeting for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump also recently settled a defamation case with ABC for $15 million over a misstatement regarding a jury verdict in a civil sexual assault trial.

Whether the Macrons’ legal action will meet the high burden of proof required by U.S. courts remains to be seen. But their complaint underscores a determination to push back against viral misinformation campaigns targeting public figures in the digital age.

Macron Announces France Will Recognize Palestinian State at UN Amid Gaza Crisis

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Macron Announces France Will Recognize Palestinian State at UN Amid Gaza Crisis

PARIS (BN24) — French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will formally recognize the state of Palestine, aligning with a growing international movement and mounting outrage over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Macron said the official recognition will be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” Macron wrote, declaring, “Peace is possible.”

Though Macron initially expressed strong support for Israel following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault, his tone has shifted as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has drawn condemnation for worsening civilian suffering and obstructing humanitarian aid. In his Thursday announcement, Macron said France’s long-standing commitment to a “just and sustainable peace in the Middle East” necessitated the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

France is set to become the most powerful European nation to recognize Palestine, joining more than 140 countries worldwide — including a growing bloc within Europe — that have extended diplomatic recognition to a future Palestinian state.

Macron also shared a letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas informing him of the decision. The French leader emphasized that Palestinian statehood is essential to realizing a lasting two-state solution alongside a secure Israel.

France’s move comes amid heightened tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed attempting to access food, and Israeli restrictions have sharply limited aid deliveries. Earlier this week, France joined more than two dozen mainly European countries in condemning Israel’s blockade on humanitarian supplies.

The announcement follows the abrupt collapse of U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks in Qatar, where American officials accused Hamas of acting in bad faith. Macron’s decision could intensify pressure on other Western nations to take a similar stance, particularly as calls for an end to the war and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty gain traction.

France holds particular significance in the debate: it has the largest Jewish population in Europe and the biggest Muslim population in Western Europe, often making it a flashpoint for Middle East-related tensions.

The French Foreign Ministry is expected to co-host a United Nations conference next week focused on reviving negotiations toward a two-state solution. Macron’s move underscores a pivot toward a more assertive European role in peace-building efforts in the region.

The Israeli government has long opposed the creation of a Palestinian state, citing security concerns and viewing such recognition as rewarding violence, particularly after Hamas’ October attack. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war. It later annexed east Jerusalem and expanded settlements in the West Bank, where more than 500,000 Israeli settlers now live under military protection, often in close proximity to 3 million Palestinians living under Israeli rule.

France’s recognition of Palestine is expected to reverberate internationally, adding weight to global demands for a political resolution that addresses both Palestinian aspirations and Israel’s security concerns.

ISWAP Executes 7 Civilian JTF Members And Hunters in Borno, Nigeria

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ISWAP Executes 7 Civilian JTF Members And Hunters in Borno, Nigeria

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (BN24) — Militants from the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have executed seven civilians, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local hunters, and community watch members, in a violent incident in Magumeri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.

The executions were recorded in a graphic six-minute video circulated online, marking another gruesome show of force by the terror group amid Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency crisis. In the footage, a masked ISWAP fighter is seen interrogating the captives individually before they are killed. The victims, all dressed in red jumpsuits, are shown kneeling while armed militants stand behind them, wielding rifles and knives.

According to a translation reported by Daily Trust, the ISWAP commander accuses the detainees of “hypocrisy” and collaboration with “infidels” — a charge the group routinely uses to justify its acts of violence. The video then shows the militants slitting the throats of all seven men before disposing of their bodies in a shallow trench.

A senior official from Magumeri Local Government Area, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the killings in an interview with Daily Trust. The official identified at least four of the victims as members of the CJTF and local hunters who had been abducted days earlier.

“We were aware they had been taken and were hoping for their safe return,” the official said. “Unfortunately, we woke up to this horrific news. We pray Allah forgives them and gives their families the strength to endure this tragedy.”

The CJTF is a government-backed civilian militia formed to support Nigerian security forces in their fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Operating across Borno and neighboring states, the group has played a critical role in intelligence gathering and local defense efforts.

ISWAP, which split from Boko Haram in 2016, has increasingly targeted local vigilante groups and civilians perceived to be cooperating with state authorities. The group remains active in the Lake Chad region, launching attacks on both military and civilian targets.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but the killings underscore the persistent threat posed by ISWAP, particularly in rural areas of Borno State where security remains fragile.

Human rights organizations and regional observers have condemned the terror group’s continued use of execution videos as a propaganda tool. The United Nations has repeatedly called for greater protection of civilians and more coordinated counter-insurgency efforts in the region.

As of now, the identities of all the victims have not been made public. Local authorities say efforts are ongoing to recover the remains and support affected families.

Credit: punching.com

NDLEA Officer Shot Dead During Drug Raid in Ondo, Nigeria

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NDLEA Officer Shot Dead During Drug Raid in Ondo, Nigeria

Nigeria (BN24)– NDLEA officer, identified simply as Jide, was fatally shot during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Ondo town, Ondo State, Nigeria in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The tragic incident occurred during a sting operation in the Ita’nla area, where the agency was acting on intelligence reports about narcotics allegedly hidden in the ceiling of a residential building.

According to eyewitness accounts, the NDLEA team had just entered the building to recover the illicit substances when gunmen believed to be part of the drug syndicate launched a surprise attack. Jide, who was posted outside to provide security, was shot in the neck.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead by medical personnel.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack. A single-barrel gun was also recovered from the scene.

“We have taken four prime suspects into custody and recovered a weapon used during the attack. Investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the NDLEA to apprehend all those responsible,” Ayanlade stated.

The incident highlights the growing dangers faced by security operatives in the fight against drug trafficking across the country.

Credit: punching.com

Appeals Court Rules Trump’s Move to End Birthright Citizenship Unconstitutional, Upholds Nationwide Block

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Appeals Court Rules Trump’s Move to End Birthright Citizenship Unconstitutional, Upholds Nationwide Block

SAN FRANCISCO (BN24) — A federal appeals court on Wednesday struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, ruling the directive unconstitutional and affirming a nationwide block on its enforcement.

FILE – Demonstrators holds up a banner during a citizenship rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

In a 2-1 decision, a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld an earlier ruling from a federal judge in Seattle that barred the Trump administration from enforcing the order. The executive action, signed during Trump’s first term, aimed to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil to parents who are either undocumented immigrants or in the country temporarily.

“The district court correctly concluded that the Executive Order’s proposed interpretation, denying citizenship to many persons born in the United States, is unconstitutional. We fully agree,” the court’s majority opinion stated.

Judges Michael Hawkins and Ronald Gould — both appointed by President Bill Clinton — authored the majority opinion, reaffirming U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour’s initial injunction. Coughenour condemned the order as an effort to circumvent the Constitution for political purposes.

The decision marks the first time an appeals court has ruled on Trump’s attempt to alter the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, and it moves the issue closer to a potential hearing before the Supreme Court.

The ruling emphasized that the Constitution’s Citizenship Clause, part of the 14th Amendment, guarantees citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” The Supreme Court upheld this standard in an 1898 decision involving a San Francisco-born child of Chinese immigrants.

Despite recent Supreme Court limitations on the use of nationwide injunctions by lower courts, the 9th Circuit found that the broad scope of the order’s impact warranted such an exception. States that filed the lawsuit — including Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon — argued they needed a uniform ruling to avoid having birthright citizenship recognized in some states but not others.

“We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in issuing a universal injunction in order to give the States complete relief,” the majority wrote.

Judge Patrick Bumatay, a Trump appointee, dissented, contending that the states lacked standing to sue. He warned against the increasing use of “universal relief” as a way to bypass judicial norms but did not rule on the constitutionality of the order itself.

Trump’s order argued that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents — including those without legal status or those on temporary visas — should not automatically receive citizenship. The Justice Department had claimed that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction” in the 14th Amendment permits such an interpretation, but courts have repeatedly rejected that view.

At least nine lawsuits challenging Trump’s order have been filed across the country since it was signed. Neither the White House nor the Justice Department responded to requests for comment following the 9th Circuit’s ruling.

With this decision, the courts continue to reaffirm the constitutional protections of birthright citizenship, casting further doubt on Trump’s broader immigration agenda as legal challenges unfold.

Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona Debut Cancelled After ‘Serious Breach of Contract,’ Club Issues Statement

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Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona Debut Cancelled After ‘Serious Breach of Contract,’ Club Issues Statement

BARCELONA (BN24) — Marcus Rashford’s highly anticipated debut for Barcelona has been abruptly postponed after the club canceled the first match of its pre-season tour due to what it described as “serious contractual breaches” by event organizers in Japan.

The Manchester United forward, who completed a loan move to the La Liga side on Wednesday, was scheduled to make his first appearance in Barca colors this Sunday in a friendly against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. However, hours after confirming Rashford’s arrival, Barcelona announced it would no longer participate in the match.

“FC Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter,” the club said in a statement. “FC Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan.”

The Catalan giants said they are evaluating whether to proceed with the remainder of their Asia tour, which includes two matches in South Korea — against FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4 — pending the fulfillment of certain conditions by the same event promoter.

Though fans will have to wait to see Rashford take the field for his new club, the delay gives the 27-year-old England international more time to integrate with Hansi Flick’s squad during training sessions. Rashford, who will wear the No. 14 shirt, expressed excitement during his unveiling and described joining Barcelona as “feeling like home.”

“I’m very excited to be here,” Rashford said at a press conference streamed live on the club’s YouTube channel. “This team is hungry to win trophies, and the coach has made that very clear. There’s a lot of young talent, especially Lamine Yamal — last season he was one of the best in the world. I’m eager to play with them, to learn, and to help.”

Rashford’s first competitive appearance for Barcelona is now expected to come on August 16 in their La Liga opener against Mallorca. The terms of the deal see Barcelona covering his full £325,000-a-week salary — a figure the club may not maintain should he make the switch permanent in 2026.

The loan agreement includes a £26 million buy option and does not include a recall clause for Manchester United, effectively ending Rashford’s 20-year association with the club if a full transfer is completed. The move will save United around £15 million in wages over the next 12 months, potentially giving manager Rúben Amorim extra resources to reshape his squad.

Barcelona’s acquisition of Rashford, who had publicly declared his desire for a new challenge in December after falling out of favor at United, reflects the club’s continued ambition amid ongoing financial constraints. Rashford is the first English player to join the Catalan side since Gary Lineker, who played for the club from 1986 to 1989.

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