Daily Vantage

Maine’s highest court upheld a custody order that lets a father block his 13-year-old daughter’s church attendance and limit her exposure to Bible teaching at her mother’s home. Story Snapshot The Maine Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the father’s final say over the child’s religious involvement after years of conflict. The order covers attendance at Calvary Chapel Greater Portland and, if parents disagree, other religious exposure. The mother argued the order violates the First Amendment, but...

The Justice Department says states that take federal welfare money must report known unlawful immigrants to homeland security or risk losing funds. Story Snapshot Justice Department issued a new legal opinion expanding state reporting duties tied to welfare funds. The opinion reverses a 1997 view that limited reporting to just program agencies. Coverage says the rule reaches any state office when the state accepts key welfare funding. The shift could clash with state and city...

Jurors now weigh a 30-year-old murder after hearing Duane “Keffe D” Davis’s own recorded words placed at the heart of the state’s case. Story Snapshot Prosecutors leaned on Davis’s recorded statements describing the night Tupac Shakur was shot. The defense said those statements were false, made for money, and should not be trusted. Closing arguments followed two weeks of testimony and finalized jury instructions. A former detective said there was probable cause to arrest Davis...

Democratic hopefuls in tough 2026 races are scrubbing Joe Biden from their campaigns, signaling a party split that could shape 2028. Story Snapshot At least nine ex-Biden officials running in 2026 are keeping distance from him. Democratic candidates are steering away from Biden-era border policies. Kamala Harris remains a top 2028 name, but her Biden ties still shadow her. History shows parties lose midterms under unpopular presidents, fueling the strategy. Democrats in 2026 Races Create Daylight...

Iran’s military named BBC Persian, Iran International, and Radio Farda as “military targets,” alleging links to the Central Intelligence Agency and Israel’s Mossad without presenting public proof. Story Snapshot Iran’s armed forces spokesman listed three Persian-language outlets as targets. The statement claimed direct ties to foreign spy agencies, but offered no evidence. Press-freedom rules say journalists are civilians and must not be attacked. The outlets have reported past threats and pressure against their staff. What Tehran...

A military judge set June 5, 2028, as the start of the long-delayed 9/11 trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three co-defendants, choosing certainty over speed in a case many Americans fear government may never finish. Story Snapshot A military judge scheduled the 9/11 case to start June 5, 2028. Prosecutors asked for January 2027; the judge said that was too soon. The case covers four accused plotters and remains in the commission system. Pretrial...