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Democratic senators call early US review of Disney station licenses 'abuse of power'

Democratic senators call early US review of Disney station licenses 'abuse of power'

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 7 (Reuters) - A group of 10 U.S. Democratic senators on Thursday demanded that Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr explain why he ordered an early review of licences for Walt Disney's eight ABC stations. 
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Disney Challenges FCC Over Guest Regulations on 'The View', Citing Free Speech Concerns

Disney Challenges FCC Over Guest Regulations on 'The View', Citing Free Speech Concerns

Disney Challenges FCC Over Guest Regulations on 'The View', Citing Free Speech Concerns
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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Acknowledges Limited Impact of Sports-TV Cost Inquiry

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Acknowledges Limited Impact of Sports-TV Cost Inquiry

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Acknowledges Limited Impact of Sports-TV Cost Inquiry
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US appeals court weighs Pentagon bid to punish Senator Mark Kelly

US appeals court weighs Pentagon bid to punish Senator Mark Kelly

By Mike Scarcella WASHINGTON, May 7 (Reuters) - A U.S. federal appeals court at a hearing on Thursday appeared skeptical that the Trump administration’s could legally punish Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Kelly over public remarks he made urging service members to refuse unlawful orders.
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FCC's Brendan Carr Acknowledges Sports-TV Inquiry May Not Lead to Changes

FCC's Brendan Carr Acknowledges Sports-TV Inquiry May Not Lead to Changes

FCC's Brendan Carr Acknowledges Sports-TV Inquiry May Not Lead to Changes
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Judge Rules Trump Administration's Cancellation of Humanities Grants Unconstitutional, Impacting Federal Funding

Judge Rules Trump Administration's Cancellation of Humanities Grants Unconstitutional, Impacting Federal Funding

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of over $100 million in humanities grants was unconstitutional. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lacked the authority to terminate the funding, which was intended for scholars, writers, and research groups. The court found that the cancellations violated the First and Fifth Amendments, constituting viewpoint discrimination. The ruling permanently bars the administration from ending the grants and criticizes the use of artificial intelligence in the decision-making process. The decision is a victory for several organizations that sued the government, including the American Historical Association and the Authors Guild.
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Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration's Termination of Humanities Grants Unlawful

Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration's Termination of Humanities Grants Unlawful

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's decision to terminate over 1,400 grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities was unlawful and unconstitutional. The Department of Government and Efficiency (DOGE) had used artificial intelligence to identify and terminate grants that allegedly violated President Trump's executive orders against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The grants, which were previously approved by Congress, were awarded to major scholarly groups such as the American Council of Learned Societies, the American Historical Association, and the Modern Language Association of America. The affected groups filed a lawsuit in May 2025, arguing that the executive branch lacked the constitutional authority to alter or block congressional appropriations based on the president's policy preferences. U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon found that the termination of these grants violated the First Amendment and the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendme...
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Federal Appeals Court Likely to Uphold Ruling Against Defense Secretary Hegseth in Disciplinary Case

Federal Appeals Court Likely to Uphold Ruling Against Defense Secretary Hegseth in Disciplinary Case

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's efforts to censure and demote Senator Mark Kelly have encountered significant legal challenges. A federal appeals court panel appears poised to uphold a previous ruling that blocked Hegseth's attempts to punish Kelly over a video in which he discussed the refusal to follow illegal orders. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for First Amendment rights, particularly concerning retired military personnel. The court's skepticism towards Hegseth's arguments suggests a potential reaffirmation of the February decision by District Judge Richard Leon, which emphasized the importance of protecting the liberties of retired servicemembers.
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Federal Appeals Court Likely to Reject Pentagon's Action Against Senator Mark Kelly Over 'Illegal Orders' Video

Federal Appeals Court Likely to Reject Pentagon's Action Against Senator Mark Kelly Over 'Illegal Orders' Video

A federal appeals court appears ready to dismiss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to penalize Senator Mark Kelly for a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The video, released by Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds, did not specify which orders might be illegal but was published amid controversies over military actions and federalized National Guard deployments under President Trump's administration. The Pentagon's proposed actions against Kelly included reducing his military rank and issuing a censure letter, which Kelly challenged in court as unconstitutional retaliation. The court's panel, consisting of judges appointed by former Presidents Obama, Biden, and George H. W. Bush, expressed skepticism about the Pentagon's arguments.
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Federal Judge Declares Trump Administration's Humanities Grant Cancellations Unconstitutional

Federal Judge Declares Trump Administration's Humanities Grant Cancellations Unconstitutional

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the Trump administration's cancellation of over $100 million in humanities grants was unconstitutional. The decision came after several organizations, including The Authors Guild and the American Historical Association, sued the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The judge found that the administration's actions violated the First and Fifth Amendments, citing viewpoint discrimination as a key issue. The grants, which were canceled as part of a broader initiative to cut funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, were deemed unlawfully terminated.
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Disney offsets fewer overseas visitors with streaming and strong spending at theme parks

Disney offsets fewer overseas visitors with streaming and strong spending at theme parks

Disney exceeded most expectations in the second quarter due to strength in its streaming service and strong spending at U.S. theme parks that offset weak international tourism
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Trump Administration Challenges Denver's Assault Weapons Ban in Federal Court

Trump Administration Challenges Denver's Assault Weapons Ban in Federal Court

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the city of Denver, challenging its longstanding assault weapons ban. The ban, in place since 1989, prohibits the possession of assault weapons within the city limits. The administration argues that the ban violates the Second Amendment rights of citizens to bear arms. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the ban on semi-automatic rifles infringes on constitutional rights. Denver officials, including Mayor Mike Johnston, have rejected the administration's demands to repeal the ordinance, citing the need to maintain public safety and reduce gun violence.