In our news wrap Tuesday, a federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to collect the names and contact information of Fulton County, Georgia, election workers, New York City officials warned a high-rise is at risk of collapsing and Reform UK party leader and Trump ally Nigel Farage says he’s resigning from Parliament over questionable donations.
Geoff Bennett:
The day’s other headlines begin in Georgia, where a federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to collect the names and contact information of every Fulton County election worker from the 2020 election.
In his ruling, the Trump-appointed judge said that, given the low need for the subpoenaed information and the highly burdensome nature of the disclosure, the subpoena is unreasonable.
President Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that voter fraud in the heavily Democratic county led to his loss in Georgia in 2020.
In New York City, officials warned a high-rise under construction was at risk of collapsing, prompting the evacuation of surrounding buildings. Video from some 20 floors up shows beams completely buckled, and officials reported that floors inside were sagging. Crews rushed to the scene in Midtown Manhattan this morning after receiving calls that bricks were falling from the tower.
The former global headquarters of Pfizer is being converted into luxury apartments. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters that the situation remains a minute-by-minute assessment.
Zohran Mamdani:
Since arriving on scene, we have witnessed additional movement in one of the compromise columns. First responders and structural engineers are working closely with the project engineer to develop plans to shore up the impacted floor. If the floor is deemed to be secure, engineers will enter and begin shoring up the building.
Geoff Bennett:
Mamdani also urged New Yorkers to avoid the area until it is deemed safe. There have been no reports of injuries.
In Britain, Reform U.K. party leader and Trump ally Nigel Farage says he’s resigning from Parliament over questionable donations. But he plans to seek his seat again in a special election. The right-wing lawmaker has come under scrutiny for allegedly accepting millions of dollars in undisclosed gifts and donations.
According to parliamentary rules, by stepping down, any investigations into his conduct would be paused. But they’d resume if he wins. In a video statement today, Farage says he’s done nothing wrong and appealed to his constituents to decide his fate.
Nigel Farage, Reform Party Leader:
No, I have decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions. This will be a people versus the establishment by-election. It’s a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment, to, frankly, tell them where to go.
Geoff Bennett:
Farage also insisted that, as he put it, making money is not a crime. Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Farage’s actions a desperate stunt.
Also in the U.K., a judge dismissed Prince Harry’s lawsuit against The Daily Mail’s publisher today as part of his long-running battle over alleged privacy violations. The duke of Sussex had accused associated newspapers of obtaining information unlawfully through phone tapping and other tactics. But the judge found there was a possibility the information came from legitimate sources.
The publisher called it an overwhelming victory, while Prince Harry criticized the ruling, saying — quote — “We came to court seeking justice and accountability, but we have received neither.”
In France, far right leader Marine Le Pen says she will run for president in 2027 after an appeals court shortened a ban on her eligibility to hold elected office. Earlier today, the Paris court upheld Le Pen’s embezzlement conviction from last year and sentenced her to wear an electronic monitor. She has previously said such a condition would make campaigning impossible.
During a TV interview this evening, Le Pen said she would appeal the decision.
Marine Le Pen, President, National Rally Party (through translator):
The French will be the judges of it. It is funny all the same to consider the French as incapable of making a decision. They are going to have the freedom to choose, which until today was not the case.
Geoff Bennett:
Le Pen also said she will begin campaigning very quickly. This will be her fourth time running for the French presidency. She’s currently considered a front-runner. That’s according to recent surveys.
In World Cup news today, Argentina staged one of the tournament’s great comebacks this afternoon, erasing Egypt’s lead with three goals in a span of about 13 minutes. One of those came off the leg of Lionel Messi, who notched his eighth goal of the tournament. The defending champions now move on to the quarterfinals.
Meantime, the U.S. is out of the tournament after a lopsided loss to Belgium last night. Despite the 4-1 blowout, some fans say they’re choosing to focus on the host nation’s strong run.
Matt Petrick, USA Soccer Fan:
Instead of being sad about it, I was more proud of what the team has been able to do through the entire tournament. But it’s a little bit, yes, melancholy for a day to end like it did today.
Geoff Bennett:
Belgium also appeared to take direct aim at President Trump, whose intervention helped clear Folarin Balogun to play after his red card. After Belgium’s win, their social media team posted two simple words: “Overturn this.”
In Spain, authorities say at least five people were injured on the first day of the iconic Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. The weeklong event is anchored by scenes like this one, with bulls barreling through the city’s historic streets. Officials say three people were hospitalized today, though none of the injuries were serious.
The festival has drawn criticism from animal rights groups over the years, but remains one of Spain’s most popular events. And Americans are the largest group of non-Spaniards who typically take the run, making up about 16 percent of those running.
On Wall Street today, A.I. stocks once again weighed on the broader markets. The Dow Jones industrial average fell around 130 points. The Nasdaq lost 300 points. The S&P 500 also gave background on the day.
A look at the shifting student loan landscape after judges strike down some Trump administration policies; we report from Iran, where mourners have been honoring Iran’s late supreme leader; and how hospitals are increasingly turning to the arts to help patients recover.
