Brendan Rascius

Federal authorities arrested Albany resident Jessica Bowie and charged her with attempting to provide material support to ISIS over an alleged plan to bomb the New York State Capitol. According to an FBI complaint, Bowie pledged allegiance to ISIS, surveilled the Capitol, bought bomb-making materials including nails intended as shrapnel, and planned to disguise the device as a food delivery order. She allegedly discussed killing senators and carrying out further attacks, including in Times Square. Officials said there was no immediate ongoing threat and credited the FBI and New York State Police with stopping the plot.

Laura Loomer claims that negative stories about Trump aide Natalie Harp are being leaked by jealous White House staffers seeking her position. Harp, who reportedly helps manage Trump’s Truth Social account and acts as a close conduit to the president, has faced scrutiny over her constant presence at his side and accounts of her influence. The White House has defended her as a trusted and beloved official, while journalists and Harp’s estranged brother have raised concerns about her relationship with Trump. A dispute over Senator Jon Ossoff’s remarks about Harp further divided Trump allies, with some defending her and Jesse Watters dismissing the controversy.

Donald Trump is reportedly considering having Cabinet officials rotate through White House press briefings for an indefinite period rather than immediately appointing a permanent successor to Karoline Leavitt, who plans to leave at the end of August to spend more time with her family. Potential replacements include Elizabeth Pipko, Alina Habba, Anna Kelly, Tricia McLaughlin, Scott Jennings and Alexis McAdams, although some candidates reportedly view the role as difficult and thankless. A prolonged vacancy could leave the administration without a full-time spokesperson as the midterm elections approach.

Donald Trump used a staff-prepared card containing photographs and biographical details during an Oval Office meeting with teenage lifeguard Ryder Williams and child survivor Nathaniel Rai. The practice resembles uses of prepared notes by Joe Biden that Republicans, conservative commentators and Trump sharply criticized, including claims that the notes demonstrated Biden's unfitness for office. The article contrasts that earlier backlash with Trump's current use of a cheat sheet and notes that Trump is also facing questions about his health and mental sharpness. The White House rejected the comparison, arguing that Trump's card contained guest biographies rather than hand-picked reporters and pre-submitted questions.

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges resulting in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In court, he said he emailed UnitedHealthcare while posing as a wealthy investor to learn where Thompson would attend a conference, then waited for him in Manhattan and shot him on December 4, 2024. Mangione said years of severe back pain and frustration navigating the health insurance system influenced his actions, which drew both public condemnation and some support from critics of insurers. He faces a minimum of 25 years on each federal count and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, while separate state charges remain pending. Thompson’s family called the plea an important step toward justice and urged a sentence reflecting the seriousness of the crime.

A viral parody video by Ohio graphic artist Jason Moore casts Donald Trump and his administration’s Reflecting Pool controversy as a Scooby-Doo mystery. The video blames a botched, no-bid restoration project—not vandals—for algae, peeling paint and other damage, and depicts Trump as the masked culprit. The project cost roughly $16 million and involved a Trump-linked contractor. After initially arresting several people, including Olympic canoeist David Hearn, the U.S. attorney’s office dropped the charges, citing new Interior Department information and concluding that the damage was difficult to attribute to vandalism. Trump criticized the decision, while Moore said the satire was intended to highlight what he saw as the absurdity of events in Washington.

A bipartisan group of eight senators led by Dick Durbin has introduced the PROMISE Act, which would direct the Social Security Advisory Board to develop legislation keeping the program’s trust funds solvent for at least 50 years. The effort comes as trustees project that Social Security will be able to pay only 78 percent of scheduled benefits by 2032. Although public support for stabilizing the program is high, passage faces opposition from both sides: possible tax increases concern conservatives, while potential benefit reductions have drawn criticism from AARP and Bernie Sanders. President Donald Trump has also opposed cuts, leaving the senators with a difficult path to agreement.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says Tucker Carlson has no plans to run for president, despite speculation that he could enter the 2028 race under certain circumstances. Greene recently launched an amorphous America First movement with Carlson, Joe Kent and Thomas Massie after breaking with Donald Trump over the Iran war and the administration’s handling of the Epstein files. Carlson has publicly denied plans to run, although sources told Politico his position could change if Trump endorses Marco Rubio. The movement is critical of both major parties, but its ability to develop into a viable third party remains uncertain given the historical weakness of third-party campaigns in U.S. elections.

James Westervelt III, a 38-year-old Marion County, Florida father, was indicted on a first-degree felony murder charge after his six-month-old son died following an incident in which Westervelt allegedly used a leaf blower on the infant as a prank. Investigators reportedly found video of a similar incident involving the child when he was younger. The death was determined to have resulted from shaken baby syndrome, and additional charges were reportedly pending.

Google rolled back a Google Earth feature that used AI to generate custom images from satellite, aerial and 3D imagery less than a day after its global launch. The company said users had shared generated images that appeared to violate its policies and promised stronger safeguards, while noting that the images were watermarked and not visible to other users within the main Google Earth experience. Journalists and open-source researchers warned that the tool could enable widespread disinformation by fabricating scenes involving conflicts, disasters and sensitive sites. Tests and published examples showed it could generate deceptive images of events and landmarks, including fires in Iran, flooding in Washington, D.C., a collapsed Eiffel Tower and a bomb-damaged hospital in Gaza.

60 Minutes is adding five journalists for its 59th season following the departures of veteran correspondents including Scott Pelley, Sharon Alfonsi and Anderson Cooper after Bari Weiss became CBS News editor-in-chief. The most controversial appointment is conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, whose hiring has drawn criticism from media figures, while executive producer Nick Bilton praises his rigor and range. Norah O'Donnell, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni and Trevor Phillips will also join the program. The changes come amid ongoing debate over Weiss's editorial influence, which she says is part of the normal role of an editor-in-chief.

Donald Trump resurfaced a 2020 video of Anthony Fauci missing a ceremonial first pitch and mocked Fauci’s athletic ability on Truth Social as Fauci prepared to testify before a Senate committee about the COVID-19 pandemic response and the origins of the virus. Rand Paul has accused Fauci of misleading the public about the origins of COVID-19, while Fauci’s attorneys and more than 100 infectious-disease experts reject the allegations as baseless. Fauci’s diary describes uncertainty over the lab-leak and natural-spillover theories, frustration with Trump, and his awareness of his pandemic-era fame. Trump later ended Fauci’s federal security protection after Fauci left government.

Donald Trump eulogized the late South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham at Washington’s National Cathedral, praising him as a major statesman, influential legislator and a tough but humorous political rival who became a friend. Trump recalled their hostile beginnings during the 2016 Republican primary, including his decision to publicly disclose Graham’s phone number after Graham criticized him. Graham later turned the incident into a joke by appearing in videos destroying mobile phones. The funeral drew Graham’s family, current and former Senate colleagues, Trump administration officials and international leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino is stepping down after a turbulent year dominated by a $700 million rebranding effort and backlash over the company’s replacement of its traditional logo. Conservative figures including Donald Trump and Byron Donalds criticized the change as “woke,” contributing to a one-day $94 million drop in market value. Cracker Barrel restored the old logo, canceled plans to remodel 660 restaurants, and subsequently reported stronger quarterly profits. Former Bloomin’ Brands CEO David Deno will succeed Masino, while the company is also closing all Maple Street Biscuit Company locations.

The appointment of Darline Graham to fill the Senate seat of her deceased brother, Lindsey Graham, has revived debate over the rare practice of replacing senators with relatives. Family successors benefit from name recognition, donor networks, staff familiarity and public sympathy, while governors may avoid divisive contests. Critics argue that the practice is undemocratic, risks nepotism and can produce less effective or ideologically different lawmakers. The article reviews historical examples including Hattie Caraway, Jean Carnahan and Lisa Murkowski, notes efforts in several states to require elections for Senate vacancies, and suggests that Darline Graham’s campaign will test whether political lineage still carries electoral power.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that would enable the construction of reactors using U.S. technology, but the announcement reportedly caught President Donald Trump and White House staff off guard. The White House and Energy Department denied any internal disagreement, while Trump later said the agreement depended on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords and ruled out enrichment. Saudi officials reportedly had not accepted that condition. Experts also raised concerns about the deal’s safeguards, and its final status remains uncertain pending required congressional notifications and a 90-day review period.

CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings urged Mitch McConnell to provide constituents with more regular updates about his health while recovering from a fall and mild pneumonia. McConnell had been hospitalized for weeks with limited information from his office, prompting speculation, a request for clarity from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and scrutiny after footage showed first responders transporting him. McConnell later said he had briefly lost consciousness but had not suffered a fracture, concussion, heart attack, stroke, tumor, or hemorrhage. He plans to return to the Senate when medically able and is not expected to resign before completing his term.

Houthi rebels struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating regional tensions as Iran warned the US it would retaliate in kind for any attacks on its infrastructure. The US continued nightly strikes on Iranian military assets while Donald Trump threatened further retaliation for any assaults on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign minister recounted surviving a US-Israeli strike that killed Ali Khamenei, citing security vulnerabilities in Iranian leadership circles. Oil prices rose above $95 amid fears of supply disruptions, and Chinese tankers continued navigating the Red Sea despite heightened risks. The US House passed a defense bill including Trump’s $1.15 trillion national security request, while House Democrat Ro Khanna criticized war funding and called for domestic investment.

Republican leaders promoted the SAVE America Act by comparing voter ID requirements to ID checks in everyday situations, including at Olive Garden. Democrats argued the bill addresses a nonexistent problem and would suppress voting, while some Republicans, including Lisa Murkowski, also opposed it over concerns about barriers to voting. The measure is unlikely to pass the Senate, though Donald Trump continues to frame it as essential to election integrity. Public polling shows Americans divided on the proposal.

A nationwide surge in cyclosporiasis cases prompted a Taylor Farms lettuce recall, which the FDA maintains despite a later determination that the initial detection of the parasite was a false positive. Federal officials cite strong epidemiological evidence supporting the recall and continue investigating the outbreak, which has reached nearly 7,000 confirmed and suspected cases. State-level reports suggest even higher numbers. Experts point to staffing and funding cuts at federal health agencies as factors complicating outbreak response. Fast‑food suppliers and contaminated produce remain under scrutiny while health officials advise thorough produce‑handling precautions.

Federal officials confirmed that a recall of Taylor Farms lettuce tied to a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak remains in effect despite a reevaluated lab sample being labeled a false positive. The FDA emphasized that epidemiological evidence still supports the recall, while the CDC continues investigating nearly 7,000 confirmed and suspected cases, a sharp rise from the previous year. State data points to an even broader outbreak, and experts cite past staffing and funding cuts as factors hindering response efforts. The source of contamination remains unclear as cases surge across multiple states.

Customer visits to Taco Bell and several salad-focused chains declined as a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak sickened thousands across the United States. Foot traffic data showed drops at national and Michigan locations while health officials investigated contaminated produce, initially suggesting but later retracting a link to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce due to a false positive test. Taco Bell and suppliers temporarily removed or recalled lettuce out of caution as the FDA and state agencies continued testing. Reported infections have surged far beyond typical levels, prompting scrutiny after the CDC removed cyclospora from a key monitoring program. Public health experts advise basic food safety precautions but do not recommend avoiding leafy greens entirely.

Donald Trump recounted pressuring FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, a move that drew widespread criticism from international football bodies and figures who argued it violated norms of neutrality. FIFA defended the disciplinary committee’s independence, but the decision sparked formal complaints and concerns about improper political influence. Balogun and others acknowledged the controversy, while Trump framed the outcome as beneficial despite the U.S. team’s subsequent loss to Belgium.

Federal analysis warns Lake Powell’s water level could fall near the minimum threshold required for the Glen Canyon Dam to generate hydropower, threatening electricity supply for about six million people across several Western states. Prolonged drought and record-low snowpack have sharply reduced Colorado River storage, prompting emergency measures including water transfers and restricted downstream releases. Federal and state officials are coordinating responses as experts caution that critical shortages may arrive sooner than projected.

Nearly 7,000 suspected and confirmed cyclosporiasis cases have been reported across more than 30 US states, far exceeding previous years and prompting an ongoing CDC investigation. The parasite, which causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, has an unclear source, though investigators are examining potential links to Taco Bell and contaminated leafy greens, with Michigan reporting the largest concentration of cases. The CDC faces scrutiny for having removed cyclosporiasis from a key surveillance program, though former officials say the impact on the current response is minimal. State data shows rapidly rising case numbers, and experts advise strict produce hygiene or temporarily avoiding leafy greens while the outbreak source remains unidentified.

Health experts offer differing advice as a large cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads across more than 30 U.S. states, with Michigan reporting an especially high concentration of cases. While some specialists emphasize cautious handling of fresh produce through thorough washing and cooking, others advise temporarily avoiding leafy greens until the contamination source is identified. The CDC recommends standard hygiene and food safety measures rather than abandoning produce entirely. The outbreak has resulted in thousands of cases and over 100 hospitalizations nationwide, with treatment options including Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim.

Several states are advancing measures to publicly identify or penalize large companies whose employees rely on Medicaid, arguing that insufficient employer health coverage shifts costs to taxpayers. California and Oregon are considering transparency laws, while Nevada already publishes employer lists. New Jersey enacted fines for companies with significant numbers of Medicaid-enrolled workers. These efforts contrast with the Trump administration’s focus on combating Medicaid fraud and implementing new work requirements for beneficiaries. Major employers, including Amazon, dispute the state reports, arguing they misrepresent part-time and seasonal workforces and that broader wage policy reforms are needed.

Matthew Wielicki, a climate change critic, has been chosen by the Trump administration to lead the US Global Change Research Program, an office previously weakened during Trump’s first term. Wielicki has questioned mainstream climate science and criticized diversity and inclusion programs, while Trump has condemned what he calls climate alarmism. The office oversees the influential National Climate Assessment, though the administration’s future use of it remains uncertain. Scientific bodies including the UN and World Meteorological Organization continue to affirm strong consensus on human‑driven climate change.

U.S. refugee operations were redirected exclusively to South Africa under the Trump administration, resulting in nearly all admitted refugees in fiscal year 2026 being Afrikaners. Former officials described the shift as unprecedented and politically motivated, favoring a white minority group while blocking refugees from conflict zones worldwide. Trump justified the policy by alleging a genocide against white South Africans, claims echoed by Elon Musk but disputed by South African officials, who noted that crime affects all groups and no data supports disproportionate targeting. Tensions over land ownership and a recent land seizure law added context to the administration’s rationale.

Jet fuel prices have fallen sharply after earlier spikes driven by the conflict with Iran, yet airline ticket prices remain high as carriers maintain elevated fares due to strong demand and reduced market competition following Spirit Airlines’ collapse. Airlines cite long-term corrections and ongoing profit pressures as reasons for holding prices steady despite easing fuel costs. Surveys show widespread concern among travelers over rising airfare, with future pricing trends dependent on post–Labor Day demand and capacity adjustments.

Gavin Newsom criticized reporters covering Donald Trump for asking overly deferential questions and accused the White House of reshaping press access to favor supportive outlets. He objected to the administration’s removal of traditional press‑pool authority, restrictions on major wire services, and creation of a “media offenders” list. Newsom also questioned Trump’s health and argued that the president faces a lower standard of scrutiny compared with Joe Biden. Trump and his spokesperson responded with personal attacks on Newsom, while journalists noted that Trump remains more accessible to questions than Biden.

Donald Trump repeatedly increased his estimates of crowd size for his July 4 “Salute to America 250” event, ultimately claiming 422,000 attendees despite no independent confirmation. Severe weather forced an evacuation of the National Mall, after which Trump said he reversed a cancellation decision and praised security agencies for restoring attendance. The reported figures would still fall short of bicentennial crowds, and the episode follows a pattern of Trump overstating turnout at major events. The celebration, organized by Freedom 250, faced multiple logistical challenges including weather issues, outages and thin attendance, while Trump’s speech emphasized military actions, opposition to communism and tributes to veterans and astronauts.

A new book by reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan claims Donald Trump required his White House bathroom to be carpeted, creating concerns about mold and prompting staff to rotate extra carpet pieces to manage damp areas. The book also details tensions between Trump and Melania Trump over interior design changes, along with accounts of policy discussions including potential suspension of habeas corpus for undocumented immigrants and deliberations over releasing Epstein-related documents. Trump has dismissed the reporting as false, while the book has sold more than 300,000 copies since publication.

Reports describe Donald Trump becoming angry after aerial photos showed sparse crowds at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall. White House officials fear similar turnout issues could affect his upcoming Fourth of July event, prompting measures such as ticketing to ensure filled areas. The fair has experienced multiple setbacks including musical act withdrawals, state nonparticipation, power outages and low-attendance performances. Freedom 250, the Trump-established organizer, continues to promote the fair as a patriotic celebration despite logistical problems and public criticism.

Florida approved $2.75 million in state funding to support renaming Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump as part of a larger budget signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Total rebranding costs could reach $5.5 million, with remaining expenses drawn from airport revenue or potential grants. Republicans praised the renaming as a tribute to Trump, while Democrats criticized it as wasteful. Lawsuits have been filed to block the change, citing safety and other concerns. A new logo resembling the presidential seal has been unveiled, and the name change is set to take effect on 9 July.

White House officials are weighing a proposal for President Donald Trump to issue up to 250 pardons to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, though advisers are split over the political impact and the idea has not yet reached the president. The administration’s clemency practices have drawn increased scrutiny amid reports of an informal, costly backchannel system operating outside the traditional Justice Department review. Lobbyists and attorneys report a surge in pardon-seeking activity ahead of a possible Fourth of July announcement. Individuals rumored to be under consideration for clemency include Low Taek Jho, Pras Michel, and Nicole Daedone, though a White House official says they are not being actively reviewed.

A microphone failure disrupted country singer Alexis Wilkins’s performance of the US national anthem during a July 4 celebration hosted by the US Embassy in Belgium, prompting a successful second attempt. The event featured senior US and Belgian officials, musical performances, and Independence Day festivities. Wilkins, who is dating FBI Director Kash Patel, recently faced scrutiny over her appearances at politically connected events and accusations involving her boyfriend, which she has publicly rejected. The celebration also highlighted ongoing political tensions surrounding Freedom 250, the public-private partnership managing anniversary events, which has drawn significant public funding.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez renewed calls to break up major technology companies, warning that their scale gives them excessive power over markets and consumers. Her comments followed Apple’s announcement of price increases driven by rising costs. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed support for stronger antitrust enforcement, including a bipartisan bill aimed at curbing market power among dominant digital platforms. Major tech firms argue that breaking them up would harm innovation and competitiveness, while surveys show widespread public concern about the political influence of social media companies. The Trump administration has signaled a preference for settling antitrust cases rather than pursuing aggressive litigation.