Washington, DC, files lawsuit to stop Trump deployment of National Guard
The District of Columbia has initiated a federal lawsuit against President Trump’s administration, challenging the recent deployment of National Guard troops in the capital. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb argues the troop presence amounts to an unconstitutional “military occupation” that infringes on local self-rule and basic citizen freedoms. He is seeking a court order to end the deployment immediately, according to Reuters.
This litigation follows a recent judicial decision in California declaring a similar National Guard deployment unlawful, raising concerns over federal overreach and the expanded use of military force domestically.
Israel threatens to unleash biblical plagues on Yemen’s Houthis
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has warned of severe reprisals, referencing the “10 biblical plagues,” after Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missile attacks on Israeli targets. The threats follow the Houthis’ retaliation for the assassination of Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and other officials, Al Jazeera reported.
The Houthis recently targeted the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray in the Red Sea. In response, Israel has conducted airstrikes on Houthi-held areas, including Sanaa. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire in May, the Houthis have continued attacks, citing support for Palestinians as justification.
The situation remains tense, with both sides escalating military actions in the region, according to Al Jazeera.
Thailand set for vote on new PM amid power vacuum
Thailand’s parliament will vote Friday to elect a new prime minister after the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s request to dissolve the legislature was rejected. Caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the Privy Council deemed the request “inappropriate,” citing legal uncertainties over a caretaker premier’s authority, Al Jazeera reported.
The vote comes after former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was dismissed by the Constitutional Court over an ethics violation. The opposition is expected to back Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, who previously served as deputy prime minister and health minister and is known for legalizing cannabis in 2022. Pheu Thai has nominated former Attorney General Chaikasem Nitisiri and may call a snap election if he wins.
According to Al Jazeera, the parliamentary vote is scheduled for 10 am local time (03:00 GMT).
Afghanistan earthquake toll surges beyond 2,200 as survivors struggle for aid
A powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has killed more than 2,200 people and injured thousands, leaving remote villages in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces devastated. Entire communities were flattened, with nearly two-thirds of residents in some areas killed or hurt and almost every home destroyed, Reuters reported.
Rescue teams are still pulling bodies from rubble, while survivors say they have been left with “nothing but the clothes on our backs.” Thousands of families are now displaced, many sleeping in the open without food, water, or shelter.
Humanitarian groups warn that relief supplies are running short. The Red Cross estimates over 84,000 people are affected, the World Health Organization faces a $3m funding gap for medical aid, and the UN food agency says its stocks may run out within weeks.
Aid workers are urging urgent and sustained international support, stressing that Afghanistan cannot withstand another crisis without long-term recovery help, according to Reuters.