News Outlets Banned from White House, and Ed Sheeran Speaks Out: Weekend Rundown

Reporters from three major news organizations — MS NOW, CNN, and Politico — were blocked from entering the White House on Saturday. President Donald Trump had posted on social media that he was banning these outlets, calling their coverage fake news. The move quickly sparked debate about whether the president had broken rules set by the U.S. Constitution.

MS NOW reporter Akayla Gardner said her White House badge stopped working when she arrived Saturday morning, and security asked her to hand it over. CNN reporter Betsy Klein was turned away at the gate later that day, and Politico reporter Cheyenne Haslett was also denied entry. All three reporters were blocked from doing their jobs at the White House.

Legal experts said the ban may have violated the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press. Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told NBC News the move was 'pretty clearly unconstitutional.' He predicted that if anyone challenged the ban in court, they would likely win.

On Sunday, Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming was asked on 'Meet the Press' whether Trump had violated the Constitution. Barrasso said, 'No, I believe the press has an obligation to report fairly.' He said he valued freedom of the press but did not directly say whether he agreed with the ban.

Singer Ed Sheeran spoke about the conflict in Gaza at his first concert since artist Macklemore was dropped as his opening act. Sheeran called the October 7 attacks on Israel 'horrific' but said the suffering of people in Gaza is 'catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate.' He apologized for some past decisions and promised to continue the tour for his fans.

Before the concert, dozens of people gathered outside the stadium for a pro-Palestinian protest. One man told NBC News he was there to stand against what he called an effort to silence free speech, referring to Macklemore's removal from the tour. Inside, some fans were unbothered, with one saying, 'You're here to see the headliner, not really so much the opening act.'

In other political news, President Trump said he wants to build a large arch near Washington, D.C., that would also hold drones and snipers for national security. He also announced plans to appoint an AI 'czar' and create an AI task force, while promising not to slow down the growth of the technology industry. Trump is also set to meet with the New York City mayor on Monday.

AI experts have been warning for years that powerful AI systems could cause serious harm to people and even threaten human life. Researchers told NBC News that people acting alone or with government support could soon use AI to cause major damage. Some experts also worry that self-improving AI could try to take control of military systems or overthrow human governments.

An ICE officer shot and wounded a man in Austin, Texas, on Sunday afternoon, officials said. The man was taken to a hospital with a serious wound to his torso and was listed in stable condition. Officials said they were still working to find out the man's nationality and whether he was the target of an ICE operation.

In other news, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he plans to stay in power after his party suffered a big loss in state elections. Comedian Carrot Top was hospitalized, though his representative did not explain why. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams also left Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter with an apparent right leg injury.