News

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. declined to block the White House Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to take over the U.S. Institute of Peace, despite finding that the removals of several board members were not in accordance with federal law. The judge's decision came after the Institute of Peace board members filed a lawsuit challenging their firing and what they called an "unlawful assault" on the organization.

A jury convicted Solomon Peña, a failed Republican candidate, of orchestrating drive-by shootings at the homes of state and local lawmakers in Albuquerque following the 2020 election. Peña faces a possible life sentence and plans to appeal the verdict, claiming he was targeted for his political beliefs.

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke on the phone for an hour on Wednesday, discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine. The call focused on aligning Russia and Ukraine's requests and needs, with Trump briefing Zelenskyy on his conversation with Putin and the two leaders agreeing to share information closely between their defense staffs.

Comedian Whitney Cummings, known for her Emmy-winning sitcom "Two Broke Girls" and autobiographical series "Whitney," is on the road with the second year of her "Big Baby" tour, focusing on motherhood and everyday life after welcoming her first child. The tour continues through its second year with dates across the country.

The U.S. smart home market is booming, projected to reach $50 billion by 2026, with smart security systems offering convenience, energy savings, and insurance discounts. However, experts warn of potential security risks and advise users to prioritize strong passwords, dedicated accounts, and mindful device connections.