Anna Betts

The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea, including much of that time under combat conditions in the Middle East, after its deployment was repeatedly extended. Reports describe shortages of water and supplies, plumbing problems, low morale and multiple attempts by sailors to jump overboard. Navy officials deny identifying an increase in suicidal ideation or attempts and say clean water, air conditioning, meals and mental-health support remain available, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the conditions have been misrepresented. Retired Navy leaders and behavioral-health experts argue that the unusually long deployment, lack of port visits and uncertainty over when sailors will return home are placing serious psychological strain on the crew and their families.

Michael Boren, the senior Agriculture Department official overseeing the US Forest Service, reportedly contacted agency officials repeatedly about a 7-acre wildfire near his Idaho ranch and questioned why more aircraft were not being used. The Washington Post reported that the response involved about nine aircraft, some diverted from other Idaho fires, and was unusually extensive for a contained blaze posing little threat to life or property. The USDA denied that Boren pressured staff or ordered additional resources, saying he merely reported a fire near his property and maintained routine contact with agencies under his supervision.

Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House counsel and Goldman Sachs chief legal officer, told a House oversight committee that she did not know whether Virginia Giuffre was an Epstein victim and considered some of Giuffre’s allegations insufficiently credible. Giuffre’s family condemned the remarks, while Ruemmler’s representatives said she was expressing skepticism about specific unsubstantiated claims and had never seen evidence of Epstein’s ongoing criminal misconduct. The testimony followed the release of Epstein-related records showing Ruemmler’s extensive correspondence with Epstein, gifts from him and informal advice about his sex-crime scrutiny.

Audio recordings from 2016 and 2017 appear to show Joe Biden discussing notes and material he described as classified while working with a ghostwriter on his memoir. The recordings broadly correspond with former special counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 findings that Biden retained and shared classified information, although Hur recommended no criminal charges, citing difficulties proving willfulness. Biden’s representative says the conversations were private and that releasing them represents political weaponization of the Justice Department. The tapes were released by the conservative Oversight Project after litigation and Biden withdrew his legal challenge to their disclosure.

Mitch McConnell remains absent from the Senate six weeks after a fall at his home that caused a brief loss of consciousness and hospitalization. His office says he is undergoing intensive physical therapy and will miss Kentucky's annual Fancy Farm picnic, while the congressional attending physician's office says he is not yet medically cleared to leave rehabilitation or return to work. McConnell has also been recovering from mild pneumonia, has missed 38 Senate votes, and plans to retire when his term ends in January.

Kai Sato, 39, was rescued by the crew of the M/V George III after drifting for 30 days in a de-masted sailboat approximately 900 miles from Hawaii. His navigation phone failed, his fuel ran out, and he survived on limited food and condensation collected in a plastic bag while attempting repairs with PVC pipes and kayak paddles. The Seafarers International Union said the recovery took about 90 minutes. Sato is staying with relatives and plans to attempt another voyage to the Philippines in a larger boat.

Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana and was moving west toward the Texas coast, where it was expected to remain at tropical-storm strength before weakening inland. Forecasters warned of 45mph winds, coastal flooding of up to 3 feet, 2 to 4 inches of rain with isolated higher totals, possible flash flooding, and dangerous surf and rip currents along the Gulf Coast.

Jes Staley appeared in a closed-door session of a US House oversight committee examining his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, adding to a series of interviews with high-profile figures. The questioning follows regulatory findings that Staley downplayed his close ties with Epstein, leading to his resignation from Barclays and a ban from UK financial roles. Details from past legal proceedings, including email evidence and the FCA’s conclusions, resurfaced scrutiny of his conduct and contributed to significant financial and reputational losses. US Department of Justice documents have added further allegations, though no charges have resulted. The committee is expected to release a transcript of the interview later.

Smoke from more than 180 wildfires in Ontario and additional fires in Minnesota spread across over 20 US states, triggering air quality alerts and hazardous conditions in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Cities including Detroit, Toronto, Minneapolis and Chicago reported some of the worst air quality worldwide, with officials urging residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity. New York extended heat emergency measures and distributed masks, while forecasters warned that smoky conditions would persist across several states through Friday and potentially into the weekend.

Todd Blanche faces a Senate confirmation hearing for attorney general amid scrutiny of his role in politicizing the justice department during Donald Trump’s second term. Senators are expected to question him about purging career prosecutors, controversial prosecutions, the mishandled release of Jeffrey Epstein files, and decisions involving Ghislaine Maxwell. Blanche is also under fire for approving a disputed settlement involving Trump’s tax return lawsuit and for actions seen as serving Trump’s political interests. More than 1,200 former justice department employees have opposed his nomination, citing damage to institutional integrity.

Mahmoud Khalil filed a federal lawsuit accusing senior Trump officials and pro‑Israel groups of orchestrating a coordinated campaign to target and suppress pro‑Palestinian advocates, alleging a public‑private effort to identify and deport non‑citizen supporters of Palestinian rights. The suit claims the Heritage Foundation helped design a blueprint for these actions, while Canary Mission and Betar supplied names for investigation. Government officials reject the allegations, asserting Khalil misrepresented information on his visa. Khalil, who was detained for 104 days and faces ongoing deportation proceedings, continues to challenge the government’s case as civil‑liberties advocates and public figures rally to his support.

The Pentagon and US Department of Justice formed a joint taskforce to pursue unauthorized disclosures to the press, with defense secretary Pete Hegseth arguing leaks endanger national security. The initiative follows subpoenas issued to New York Times reporters after stories about security concerns involving Donald Trump’s new aircraft, and comes amid broader efforts by the administration to pressure news organizations. Media groups and legal representatives condemned the subpoenas as threats to press freedom, while the DOJ stated its focus is on identifying individuals leaking classified information. Previous attempts to compel testimony from journalists at major outlets and a federal raid on a reporter’s home reflect escalating tensions between the administration and the press.

A pilot assisting in the response to Colorado’s Gold Mountain fire died after the aircraft crashed into the Silver Jack reservoir, with the body later recovered by divers. The wildfire has burned more than 35,000 acres and remains partially contained as evacuation orders continue in southwestern Gunnison County. Colorado has received federal assistance for the fire, and the incident follows recent firefighter fatalities along the Colorado–Utah border. Multiple large wildfires continue to burn across the state, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing containment efforts.

Whistleblowers allege that Kennedy Center renovations were rushed and federal contracting rules bypassed to prepare the venue for Donald Trump’s receipt of a FIFA peace prize. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse detailed claims of no-bid contracts, poor workmanship, and changes made to satisfy Trump’s preferences, raising concerns about financial management and representations to Congress. The Kennedy Center and the White House disputed the allegations, defending their oversight and blaming previous leadership for disrepair. Lawmakers called for accountability to ensure renovation funds are used appropriately.

A federal judge awarded Hunter Biden $1.7m in punitive damages after finding that former Overstock.com CEO Patrick Byrne knowingly made false claims that Biden sought an $800m bribe from Iran. Judge Stephen Wilson ruled Byrne provided no evidence, acted with intentional misrepresentation, and repeatedly disobeyed court orders, resulting in a default judgment. Byrne was also ordered to pay nominal damages and court sanctions. Biden’s attorney said the ruling affirmed the claims were fabricated, warning against future repetition. The decision comes as Biden increases his public presence through social media and upcoming essays, shortly after receiving a presidential pardon from his father for prior federal convictions.

Missouri declared a state of emergency as severe storms and flash flooding affected multiple regions, prompting activation of the state’s emergency operations plan to coordinate rapid assistance. Governor Mike Kehoe warned that heavy rain would continue through the weekend and advised residents in flood‑prone areas to seek higher ground. State agencies and local responders are conducting rescues and supporting affected communities, while a taskforce with specialized equipment has been deployed. The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings and forecast further thunderstorms, citing significant rainfall totals and increasing risk across southeastern Missouri and neighboring areas.

At least one million women and girls have lost access to humanitarian and critical support over the past 18 months following a sharp global decline in foreign aid, according to a UN Women report. Women’s organizations in crisis‑affected countries report surging demand but diminishing capacity, with many facing potential closure. US foreign aid cuts under the Trump administration account for the majority of the global decline, while additional reductions from the UK, France and Germany have further strained humanitarian operations. Rising poverty, increased school dropouts among girls and higher levels of conflict‑related sexual violence are highlighted as consequences. UN Women urges sustained investment to prevent frontline women’s organizations from collapsing amid escalating need.

A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington state alleges that Costco sold Orgain Organic Protein Powder containing undisclosed toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. The plaintiffs argue Costco misled consumers by marketing the product as clean and nutritious without adequate testing or disclosure. Testing by Consumer Reports and the Clean Label Project is cited as evidence of contamination, and one plaintiff conducted additional lab testing that reportedly confirmed the presence of heavy metals. Orgain maintains its products comply with food safety standards. The suit seeks court-ordered disclosure of heavy metal levels and an end to sales without proper warnings.

Donald Trump switched from using a new Qatari‑gifted Air Force One to the older aircraft for his flight from Turkey to England, prompting questions about whether security concerns influenced the change. Trump said he wanted military personnel in the UK to tour the new jet, avoiding directly addressing speculation that fears of Iranian assassination attempts were involved. The shift came amid heightened tensions with Iran, with Trump declaring the ceasefire over and the US conducting strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets and imposing new sanctions.

Mark Aaron Gatz pleaded guilty to violating federal fire restrictions and unlawfully living in Arizona’s Tonto national forest after years at a debris-filled illegal campsite. Forest Service officers documented extensive trash, repeated warnings, and multiple outstanding warrants linked to prior violations. Encounters revealed dangerous conditions, including unattended fires and large amounts of scattered debris covering about half an acre. Gatz received a sentence of time served and three years of probation.

A prolonged and dangerous heatwave is sweeping the central and eastern United States, with temperatures reaching up to 105F and heat index values projected as high as 115F. The National Weather Service warns of widespread major to extreme heat risk through the Fourth of July weekend, with multiple daily and all‑time temperature records possible. New York City and other major metropolitan areas face extreme heat warnings, prompting officials including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul and Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser to urge residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and conserve energy. Cooling centers, medical support vans and safety alerts have been deployed as power grids experience heavy strain. The heatwave follows record temperatures across Europe earlier in the week.

The Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing the majority opinion affirming that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly all born on US soil. Roberts and the court’s liberal justices, joined by Amy Coney Barrett, rejected arguments redefining allegiance and domicile. Ketanji Brown Jackson’s concurrence criticized Clarence Thomas’s historical interpretation, warning against revisionist accounts that undermine the amendment’s universalist aims. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented, arguing that children of foreign temporary visitors or undocumented immigrants should not automatically receive citizenship. Brett Kavanaugh concurred with the judgment but argued the issue lies with federal statute, suggesting Congress could change the law. The decision represents one of the term’s most consequential rulings on constitutional rights.

The US Supreme Court declined to hear Donald Trump’s appeal of a 2023 jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E Jean Carroll, leaving a $5m judgment in place. The decision follows a 2024 appellate ruling upholding the verdict. Carroll’s attorney said the rejection confirms Trump’s responsibility, while Trump criticized the decision on Truth Social. A separate 2024 defamation judgment awarding Carroll $83.3m remains under appeal, with a federal court allowing Trump to delay payment while requiring an increased bond to cover interest during further proceedings.

A House committee abruptly halted Leon Black’s testimony after he declined to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements related to his past ties with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting subpoenas for the documents and a future deposition. Lawmakers from both parties said the NDAs are central to understanding Black’s interactions with women and any role Epstein may have played. Black denied any wrongdoing, rejected allegations of sexual abuse, and reiterated that Epstein provided only financial services. Recently released justice department records, civil investigations, and prior reviews continue to fuel scrutiny of Black’s associations with Epstein, though no criminal charges have been brought. Black maintains that Epstein manipulated information about him and expressed regret over their relationship.

A National Park Service official stated in a court filing that sections of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool liner were intentionally cut and fence post tops were thrown into the water, amid controversy over Donald Trump’s $14.7m renovation project. The pool’s blue coating has been peeling and algae bloomed shortly after the project’s completion, prompting Trump to blame unidentified vandals, though no evidence supporting his claims has been released. One person, former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, was arrested but denies vandalism. Government documents indicate the discovered cuts were unrelated to the peeling coating or algae, and investigators are seeking to identify another individual seen reaching into the pool in a released video.

Eleven senators urged the Trump administration to remove Moms.gov, arguing it directs users to anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers they say threaten health, safety and privacy. They contend the website uses federal resources to promote non-medical facilities amid restricted abortion access following the Dobbs ruling. Medical and federal agencies are cited for defining and quantifying crisis pregnancy centers. The administration rejects the criticism, describing the site as a comprehensive resource for maternal and infant health. Lawmakers also requested details on the website’s development, following similar concerns raised earlier by House Democrats.

Camp Mystic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy citing more than $10m in debt following the 2025 Texas flood that killed 28 people. Investigators determined the camp lacked adequate emergency planning and training, prompting multiple lawsuits alleging gross negligence and avoidable risks. Families accuse camp leaders of ignoring known flood dangers to save costs, while a court ordered preservation of damaged structures during ongoing litigation. Camp representatives deny the allegations, arguing the flood was unprecedented and beyond any available warning systems.

Online gambling and prediction markets in the United States are expanding rapidly, outpacing public health resources as calls grow for federal support to address rising gambling addiction. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are operating widely by arguing they fall under federal derivatives regulation rather than state gambling laws, a position supported by the White House and the CFTC but challenged in multiple state lawsuits. Public health experts warn that addiction rates are increasing while funding for prevention and treatment remains minimal, especially in states where gambling is illegal and support services are limited. Advocacy groups are urging federal lawmakers to create the first nationwide funding stream for gambling addiction treatment through pending legislation.

Extreme heat warnings have been issued for lower areas of the Grand Canyon, with temperatures expected to exceed 110F, prompting authorities to urge hikers to avoid peak heat hours. Recent heat-related incidents in the national park resulted in three deaths, intensifying concern over dangerous conditions. Additional heat advisories stretch across several U.S. states as high temperatures impact regions from Arizona to Alaska, coinciding with the ongoing Fifa World Cup hosted in North America.

Donald Trump attributed algae growth and peeling paint at the recently renovated reflecting pool to vandalism, despite offering no evidence. He claimed arrests had been made and that repairs would begin immediately, while also asserting that the algae issue was mostly resolved. A former Olympian was arrested after touching a loose section of the pool liner, denying wrongdoing. The renovation project has faced criticism over its performance and contracting process, and testing confirmed the presence of green algae despite official statements claiming successful remediation.

US gasoline prices dipped below four dollars per gallon for the first time since March following a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war and reopen the strait of Hormuz. Lower crude oil prices and early signs of resumed shipping traffic contributed to the decline, though fuel costs remain significantly higher than before the conflict. Economists warn that lingering supply chain disruptions, depleted inventories, and limited refinery capacity will continue to push consumer prices upward through 2026. Regional gas prices still vary widely, and overall inflation has reached a three-year high as elevated energy costs ripple through transportation, agriculture, and retail markets.