Today in One Paragraph
President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to U.S. Navy SEAL Edward Byers. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asked a series of questions during oral arguments for the first time in 10 years. A U.S. student detained in North Korea publicly apologized after being accused of trying to steal a political banner. And the death toll from a suicide bombing outside of Baghdad has risen to 38.
Top News
Number Six. Edward Byers, 36, was recognized for his heroic actions during the rescue of an American hostage in Afghanistan in 2012, making him the sixth Navy SEAL to receive the Medal of Honor. "Today's ceremony is truly unique—a rare opportunity for the American people to get a glimpse of a special breed of warrior that so often serves in the shadows,” President Obama said. (Ryan Browne, Barbara Starr, and Mark Morgenstein; CNN)
Thomas Breaks His Silence. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas directed his questions at a government attorney, Illana H. Eisenstein, during oral arguments in Voisine v. United States. Thomas’s remarks reveal the shifting dynamics of the Court since the passing of Antonin Scalia earlier this month. (Garrett Epps, The Atlantic)
North Korea Airs Apology of American Student. University of Virginia student Otto Warmbier, who was arrested by North Korea last month, apologized at a news conference aired on North Korea’s official media for allegedly trying to steal a banner with a political slogan. “I have made the worst mistake of my life, but please act to save me,” he said. (James Pearson and Jack Kim, Reuters)