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Thomas unloads on Court for helping convicted murderer but ignoring ‘law-abiding citizens’

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Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justice Samuel Alito, accused the Supreme Court of focusing on the wrong cases after the justices vacated a lower-court ruling in a Florida murder case over what he described as an “inconsequential foot fault” that would have had “no effect on the outcome of the case.”

Thomas argued that Gary Whitton’s bid for a new trial based on false testimony from a prosecution witness would not have changed the outcome because the evidence against the Florida death row inmate was overwhelming. But the overarching point of his dissent was a rebuke of the Court’s priorities. He pointed to cases involving race, free speech and military families that the justices declined to hear as examples of disputes he believed were more deserving of the Court’s attention.

“It is unfortunate that the Court chose to intervene at the request of a convicted murderer to correct the Eleventh Circuit’s inconsequential foot fault,” Thomas wrote in his dissent. “What makes it even worse is that the Court does so even while it refuses to correct far more consequential errors for law-abiding citizens.”

In a 7-2 ruling, the Supreme Court determined that the Eleventh Circuit must reconsider whether to grant Whitton a new trial without considering DNA evidence discovered after the original trial. The evidence showed that blood stains found inside Whitton’s boots belonged to James Maulden, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds in a motel room on Oct. 10, 1990. The night before, Whitton was seen with Maulden at a bank, where the victim withdrew the entire balance of his account.

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The justices determined that the DNA evidence discovered through improved testing in 2002 was inconsequential because the original jury was unaware of it during the 1991 trial.

But Thomas deemed the Eleventh Circuit’s reliance on the DNA testing results in its denial a “technicality” error.

“If the Eleventh Circuit erred at all in mentioning the DNA test results, it was harmless for at least two reasons. First, the court thoroughly examined the overwhelming evidence against Whitton, which was more than sufficient to justify its decision,” Thomas wrote. “Second, Whitton had not even exhausted his claim in state court, so the Eleventh Circuit could not have ruled for him anyway.”

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Whitton’s bid for a new trial is based on the discovery that Jake Ozio, a prosecution witness, lied during the trial when he testified that he did not have a criminal record prior to his arrest. Ozio shared a jail cell with Whitton and testified that he overheard Whitton confess to “‘stabb[ing] the bastard.’”

Whitton filed a Giglio claim alleging that Ozio lied about hearing his confession, which the Florida Supreme Court rejected. Years later, Whitton argued in his federal habeas proceedings that Ozio lied about not having a criminal record, but Thomas contended that claim should have first been exhausted in state court. This means Whitton may be procedurally barred from obtaining relief regardless of whether the Eleventh Circuit improperly relied on post-trial DNA evidence.

“Whitton does not deny that state-court remedies were available,” Thomas wrote. “Yet, he never sought state remedies for his claim based on Ozio’s characterization of his criminal record.”

Thomas rounded out his dissent by criticizing the Court for declining to hear cases involving “law-abiding citizens,” including parents of Boston University students challenging an affirmative-action policy they argue constitutes unconstitutional race discrimination, objections to university policies alleged to chill “free speech,” and a lawsuit filed by the widow of an Air Force service member killed on the job.

“This Court routinely declines to provide relief to law-abiding Americans when it would actually matter, even after lower courts conspicuously flout this Court’s precedents in ruling against them,” Thomas wrote.

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Trump makes late-night endorsements in six states ahead of Tuesday primaries, including California

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June 2, 2026

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President Trump has issued a series of endorsements ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, including in gubernatorial, congressional and Senate races.

Among the candidates Trump has thrown his support behind is U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, who is seeking to become his state’s next governor.

“As your next Governor, Randy will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Empower Ethanol, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our incredible Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, Advance Election Integrity, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In California—a state Trump and Republicans have routinely criticized over its majority Democratic leadership and are hoping to make gains in despite Democrats’ statewide dominance—Trump has endorsed Steve Hilton in the gubernatorial race. California uses a top-two primary system, in which all candidates appear on the same ballot and the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party.

PRESIDENT TRUMP MAKES ENDORSEMENT IN CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RACE: ‘HE WILL BE A GREAT GOVERNOR’

“He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job,” Trump said of current Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump critic.

“Crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World,” Trump added. “Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With our Administration, working alongside a Great Governor like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before.”

He also endorsed California GOP Assemblyman James Gallagher, who is running for Congress, as well as San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, who is also seeking a seat in the House.

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Others in California who received endorsements include Reps. Tom McClintock, Jay Obernolte, and Vince Fong, along with Kevin Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor who is running for a seat in the newly redrawn 13th Congressional District.

Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., also received a nod from Trump.

Other congressional endorsements included Reps. Tom Kean Jr., Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith, all of New Jersey, as well as Rep. Troy Downing, R-Mont. Trump also endorsed Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, in her U.S. Senate bid.

Trump also endorsed Aaron Flint, who is running to represent Montana; South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley; and Greg Cunningham, a former police officer from New Mexico.

Trump had previously endorsed Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

In May, Trump touted victories by several candidates he had backed in GOP primaries or runoff elections.

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Rick Adelman, architect of some of the NBA’s best offenses and Hall of Famer, dead at 79

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June 2, 2026

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Rick Adelman, who ranks 10th in NBA history with 1,042 wins, died on Monday. He was 79.

The National Basketball Coaches Association announced his passing. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Adelman spent 23 seasons as an NBA head coach, leading the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. He compiled a 1,042-749 regular-season record and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Before coaching, Adelman played seven seasons as an NBA point guard after being drafted by the San Diego Rockets in 1968.

After taking over the Trail Blazers during the 1988-89 season, Adelman led a Clyde Drexler-led roster to NBA Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992.

In 1998, Adelman became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. The Kings reached the playoffs in all eight of his seasons in Sacramento and advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2002.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement Monday honoring Adelman’s legacy.

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“Rick Adelman was one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the history of the NBA,” Silver said.

“Following his NBA playing career, Rick turned to coaching where his leadership, innovation and genuine love for basketball left a lasting impression on generations of players and fellow coaches over his nearly 30-year run. He was a brilliant strategist and teacher of the game, and an even better person. I send my deepest condolences to Rick’s family and many friends throughout the league.”

Adelman is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Kay, their six children (including Nuggets coach David Adelman) and 12 grandchildren.

Send us your thoughts: [email protected] / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela 

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Clean your mattress for as low as $8 with these top-rated products

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3 hours ago

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June 2, 2026

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 Cleaning your mattress can help reduce allergens and even extend the life of your mattress. With spring cleaning season still in full swing, now is a great time to stock up on cleaning essentials that you can use all year long. Save on trusted brands like Arm & Hammer and Black+Decker, with deals starting at just $8 on picks like a portable vacuum and top-rated dustbuster.

Mattress vacuum cleaner: $39.99 (43% off)
Handheld steam cleaner: $39.98 (33% off)
Bristle upholstery scrub brush: $8.99 (31% off)
J200 mattress vacuum cleaner: $69.99 (26% off)
Waterproof Mattress Encasement: $44 (14% off)

This Black+Decker dustbuster is ideal for reaching all the nooks and crannies of your mattress. With a rotating nozzle, large dust bowl and charging station, it’s easy to carry from one room to the other.

Get rid of unpleasant odors from your mattress and carpets with this best-selling deodorizer. Choose from a handful of refreshing scents, like natural lavender, lemon, pink citrus and more. A steal at under $30, this popular powder also works to eliminate stubborn pet smells.

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From minor spills to major messes, this affordable stain remover is just what you need to keep your mattress looking like it just arrived from the store. This versatile household staple tackles tough stains on your carpets and mattresses, with no scrubbing required. Grab it now for just $8. 

Original price: $99.99

Say goodbye to pet hair, dust and debris with this portable handheld vacuum, featuring a brushless motor that delivers twice the power of traditional models. The charging dock keeps the tool powered and ready when you need it. Score now for nearly 40% off.

READ MORE: Beat the heat with window AC deals from LG, GE and more up to 30% off

Original price: $69.99

This steam cleaner heats up in as little as five minutes and produces powerful, chemical-free results. The lightweight design, large water tank and 12-piece accessory kit make it easy to tackle an abundance of household cleaning chores, including refreshing mattresses.

Original price: $65.99

This multifunctional mattress cleaner features a 500-watt motor and strong suction built to lift dust, debris, pet hair and more. Plus, this popular gadget has a clog-resistant design and offers detachable filters.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Original price: $14.99

While this won’t actively clean your mattress, it will help keep it fresh for longer. This cover has deep-fitted pockets to fit thicker mattresses and comes in a variety of colors. It’s made from polyester, and feels soft to the touch. Best of all, though, it’s machine-washable and durable. 

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

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