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Supreme Court upholds federal law used to prosecute people who encourage illegal immigration

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a section of federal law used to prosecute people who encourage illegal immigration, ruling against a California man who offered adult adoptions he falsely claimed would lead to U.S. citizenship.The court by a 7-2 vote rejected arguments that the law is too broad and violates the Constitution.The case involves a section of federal immigration law that says a person who “encourages or induces” a non-citizen to come to or remain in the United States illegally can be punished by up to five years in prison. That’s increased to 10 years if the person doing the encouraging is doing so for personal financial gain.The case in front of the court involved Helaman Hansen, who lived in Elk Grove, California, near Sacramento. The federal government says that from 2012 to 2016, Hansen deceived hundreds of non-citizens into believing that he could guarantee them a path to citizenship through adult adoption.Based on Hansen’s promises, officials s...

Supreme Court rejects Texas and Louisiana challenge to Biden deportation priorities

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

(CNN) — The Supreme Court, in an 8-1 ruling on Friday, revived the Biden administration’s immigration guidelines that prioritize which noncitizens to deport, dismissing a challenge from two Republican state attorneys general who argued the policies conflicted with immigration law.The court said the states did not have the “standing,” or the legal right, to sue in the first place in a decision that will further clarify when a state can challenge a federal policy in court going forward.The ruling is a major victory for President Joe Biden and the White House, who have consistently argued the need to prioritize who they detain and deport given limited resources. By ruling against the states, the court tightened the rules concerning when states may challenge federal policies with which they disagree.Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the majority opinion.“In Sum, the States have brought an extraordinarily unusual lawsuit,” Kavanaugh wrote, in an opinion joined by Chief Justice John...

Live updates | Critics point to lack of certification for Titan submersible

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

By The Associated PressFollow along for live updates on the submersible that imploded deep in the Atlantic Ocean, killing all five people aboard during a voyage down to the Titanic shipwreck.___CRITICS POINT TO LACK OF CERTIFICATION FOR TITAN SUBMERSIBLEBob Ballard, a member of the research team that found the Titanic wreck in 1985, called the lack of certification by outside experts “the smoking gun” in the case of the Titan submersible.The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday that the Titan, a small craft headed to the wreck of the Titanic, suffered a catastrophic implosion, killing all five aboard.“We’ve made thousands and thousands and thousands of dives with other countries as well to these depths and have never had an incident,” Ballard said Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “So this is the first time, and the smoking gun is that this is the first time by a submarine that wasn’t classed.”Appearing on the sa...

Chicago Cubs prevail in lawsuit alleging Wrigley renovations violated accessibility requirements for wheelchair-bound fans

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

The Cubs scored a win in Chicago federal court Wednesday after a judge ruled the $1 billion, multiyear renovation of Wrigley Field, which dramatically updated the century-old ballpark, did not violate accessibility requirements for wheelchair-bound fans.The decision follows a one-week April trial, and comes nearly six years after Chicago attorney David A. Cerda filed a lawsuit against the team on behalf of his son, David F. Cerda, a lifelong Cubs fan who is confined to a wheelchair due to muscular dystrophy. The lawsuit alleged the extensive Wrigley rebuild did not provide enough accessible seating to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.Wrigley Field, which has 39,510 seats, is required to have at least 209 accessible seats, according to ADA standards. The judge ruled the Cubs hit the magic number — with at least one seat to spare.There “are at least 210 accessible seats at Wrigley Field — one more than the required minimum,” U.S. District Judge J...

7 ways for couples to earn travel points and miles together

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

Collecting travel points and miles on your own can be rewarding. However, you can potentially double your earning power — and opportunities to get cheaper hotel rooms and flights — by entering two-player mode.Whether you’re just getting started or trying to level up your strategy, here are seven tips for how couples can work together to earn points and miles.1. Set goals from the startIf you’re reading this, odds are that you’re more excited about points and miles than your spouse. If that’s the case, don’t start by handing them a stack of credit cards with instructions on which card to use and where. Instead, start by talking with your partner about your shared travel goals.It could be planning a family vacation together, taking that Instagram-worthy anniversary trip or simply traveling to see friends without breaking the bank. Once you can show them how points and miles can help you achieve your goals, working toward them together is much easier.2. Keep it ...

Supreme Court rejects Republican-led challenge to a Biden policy on deportations

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

By MARK SHERMAN (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a Republican-led challenge to a long-blocked Biden administration policy that prioritizes the deportation of immigrants who are deemed to pose the greatest risk to public safety or were picked up at the border. The justices voted 8-1 to allow the policy to take effect, recognizing there is not enough money or manpower to deport all 11 million or so people who are in the United States illegally.Louisiana and Texas had argued that federal immigration law requires authorities to detain and deport even those who pose little or no risk.But the court held that the states lacked the legal standing, or right to sue, in the first place.Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in his opinion for the court that the executive branch has no choice but to prioritize enforcement efforts. “That is because the Executive Branch invariably lacks the resources to arrest and prosecute every violator of every law an...

NFL owners plan to meet July 20 and potentially vote to approve the Commanders sale, AP source says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

NFL owners are set to meet July 20 to consider and potentially vote to approve the sale of the Washington Commanders, a person with knowledge of the situation said Friday.The person said teams were notified Thursday of a special league meeting that will take place in Minneapolis. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the league meeting was not announced.Three-quarters — 24 of the league’s 32 owners — approval is needed to finalize the deal between Dan Snyder and his family and a group led by Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris. Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson is also among those involved in the incoming ownership group.The deal is for a North American professional sports record $6.05 billion, surpassing the $4.55 billion Walmart heir Robert Walton paid for the Denver Broncos last year.Snyder and Harris’ group had a deal in principle for the Commanders in April, then came to a firm agreement in May. One of t...

Infowars host Owen Shroyer pleads guilty to Capitol riot charge

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Infowars host Owen Shroyer, who promoted baseless claims of 2020 election fraud on the far-right internet platform, pleaded guilty on Friday to joining the mob of Donald Trump supporters who rioted at the U.S. Capitol.Shroyer, who didn’t enter the Capitol but led rioters in chants near the top of the building’s steps, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of illegally entering a restricted area. The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year behind bars. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly scheduled a Sept. 12 sentencing hearing for the 33-year-old Shroyer, who has hosted a daily show called “The War Room With Owen Shroyer” for the website operated by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Shroyer stood in front of a crowd with a megaphone and yelled that Democrats are “tyrants.”“And so today, on January 6, we declare death to tyranny! Death to tyrants!” he shouted.Near the top of steps on the Capitol’s east side, S...

Invasive northern snakehead fish found in southeastern Missouri for second time

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

PUXICO, Mo. (AP) — An invasive and fish that is voracious predator capable of surviving out of water for days was recently caught in southeastern Missouri, causing worry that the hard-to-contain species will spread and become a problem.The northern snakehead was caught last month in a drainage pool at Duck Creek Conservation Area. The last time one showed up in Missouri was four years ago, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.Wildlife officials sounded the alarm, but many anglers say they’re unaware of the fish, its potential impact and what to do if they catch one.The northern snakehead is originally from east Asia, where they are a delicacy believed to have healing powers. They reproduce quickly, have sharp teeth, can wiggle across muddy land and grow to nearly 3 feet (nearly a meter) in length.The federal government in 2002 banned the import and interstate transport of live northern snakeheads, but they are flourishing in some parts of the U.S.“They are knocking on the door...

Cost, stadium size, fewer options: Possible reasons Taylor Swift has skipped Canada

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:59:25 GMT

TORONTO — Taylor Swift’s Canadian fans were left heartbroken and confused this week as they tried to understand why the pop superstar seems prepared to skip their country on her Eras Tour.Swift announced nearly 40 new dates on a tour that sees her wind through Mexico, Europe, Asia and Australia over the next year. Missing from the latest round of shows are stops in Canada.It’s raised questions why the “Cruel Summer” singer-songwriter, who’s in the midst of an extensive summer tour in the United States, would choose not to bring her career-spanning, three-hour show to Canada. Neither Swift nor her management has addressed the decision, while her record label Universal Music Canada declined to comment.Some in the music industry suggest that it’s hard to pin down just one possible reason.“You’re trying to get into the mind of the person who has the largest parasocial relationship with everyone in the world,” said Liam Killeen, who manages Canadian ac...