Lucy Campbell

The Kennedy Center board has reportedly voted again to close the main building for major renovations and add an inscription crediting Donald Trump, despite Judge Christopher Cooper’s ruling that Trump’s name was illegally added to the facade and his temporary block on the earlier closure plan. The board, largely composed of Trump allies, would keep the Reach addition open for limited programming and maintain it as a John F Kennedy memorial. The proposed $250m renewal project includes repairs, new marble floors, acoustic improvements and temporarily moving Kennedy’s bronze bust. The plan must be submitted to Cooper next week, who will assess whether the board conducted adequate due diligence and complied with its legal obligations.

Political leaders gathered in Washington to honor the late South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham, who was remembered by Donald Trump, JD Vance, John Thune and Sean Hannity as an influential, forceful and loyal public servant. Tributes highlighted Graham’s close alliance with Trump, his interventionist foreign-policy views, support for Israel and Ukraine, anti-abortion activism, and role in securing Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation. Graham’s sister, Darline, has been appointed to complete his term and is seeking the Republican nomination to succeed him permanently. Further ceremonies and a private burial are planned in South Carolina.

The Trump administration has acknowledged in court filings that more than $7.5bn in Biden-era clean-energy grants were included in an October cancellation tranche based solely on whether recipient states were politically aligned with Democrats and had supported Kamala Harris in 2024. The Energy Department now disputes that the grant decisions themselves were political, saying the filing referred only to the timing of the announcement. The cancellations are being challenged by University of California faculty and researchers, while the administration is seeking broader authority for political appointees to review and revoke federal grants that do not align with Donald Trump’s priorities.

The US trade representative Jamieson Greer insisted that Donald Trump’s tariffs have not raised prices for American families despite Democrats citing analyses showing increased household costs. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Raphael Warnock challenged Greer over inflation, arguing tariffs contributed to higher prices and accusing the administration of denying economic reality. The exchange comes as the current 10 percent tariff regime is set to expire and the administration considers new duties following a supreme court ruling that invalidated earlier tariffs.

Ralph Norman announced his bid to succeed the late Lindsey Graham in the US Senate despite Donald Trump endorsing Graham’s sister, Darline, should she enter the race. Norman framed his campaign around supporting Trump’s agenda, including the Save America Act and eliminating the filibuster. Trump has urged Darline to run after she was appointed to temporarily fill her brother’s seat. Several other Republicans are considering or have entered the race, with the GOP primary set for August and the winner to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

Wildfire smoke from Ontario and Minnesota continues to create dangerous air quality across large parts of the US, with the mid‑Atlantic, northeast, midwest and Great Lakes regions most affected. Thunderstorms may offer temporary relief but carry risks of flooding and high winds. Concerns persist over conditions in New Jersey ahead of the Spain–Argentina World Cup final, though forecasts suggest improvement by Sunday. Fires remain largely uncontrolled, forcing evacuations in northern Ontario and closing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Tens of millions across the US and Canada have faced unhealthy air, prompting mask distribution and health warnings, while scientists link worsening smoke impacts to the climate crisis.

Republican officials, including President Donald Trump and Senator Bernie Moreno, accuse Canada of failing to prevent wildfires that have sent hazardous smoke into the US and threaten sanctions against Canadian officials. Canadian leaders respond that climate action is a shared responsibility and call for US support. The crisis occurs amid widespread fires across both countries, severe air‑quality alerts affecting over 100 million Americans, and an expanded US wildfire season. The article notes that the Trump administration has rolled back climate protections and reduced funding for environmental research, actions scientists warn could worsen wildfire impacts.

Georgia Republican Senate nominee Mike Collins faces scrutiny over close ties to his son‑in‑law David Alan Scheer II, a white nationalist influencer who has promoted antisemitic conspiracies, Nazi imagery and extremist ideology across social media platforms. Scheer has appeared in Collins’s campaign photos, attended campaign events and is registered to vote at a Collins‑owned property. His posts have endorsed white supremacist groups, pushed racist and antisemitic narratives, and circulated propaganda rooted in Nazi-era imagery. Collins’s campaign declined to address questions about Scheer’s activities, emphasizing instead the congressman’s stated support for Israel.

Darline Graham Nordone was appointed by South Carolina governor Henry McMaster to fill the US Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Lindsey Graham, following a recommendation from Donald Trump. Nordone pledged to support Trump and continue her brother’s work, receiving bipartisan praise from state and national lawmakers. A state commissioner and optician with longstanding ties to Graham, she will serve until the term ends next year, when a special primary and general election will determine the seat’s long‑term holder.

The justice department under Donald Trump issued letters threatening election officials in all 50 states with criminal prosecution if they did not provide voter registration lists, prompting strong bipartisan backlash and warnings about federal overreach. Multiple investigations advanced, including inquiries into the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and the alleged misuse of FEMA resources for immigration enforcement. Graham Platner formally withdrew from the Maine Senate race, triggering efforts to select a replacement candidate. New sanctions were imposed on Iran, and senators reached an agreement with the Trump administration on an updated Russia sanctions bill. Security upgrades at the White House continued amid heightened concerns following assassination attempts. Additional political tensions emerged over Democratic primary advertising battles and John Fetterman's joint fundraising effort with Republican Dave McCormick.

Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator and member of the Mercury 13 program who was long denied the chance to join NASA’s astronaut corps, has died at 87 in Grapevine, Texas. Despite early exclusion from spaceflight opportunities, she built a distinguished aviation career as a pilot, instructor, FAA inspector, and NTSB investigator, amassing nearly 20,000 flight hours. Funk achieved her lifelong goal in 2021 when Jeff Bezos selected her as an honorary passenger on a Blue Origin mission, making her the oldest woman to travel into space. Tributes from local officials, NASA leadership, and Blue Origin highlighted her perseverance, accomplishments, and impact on future generations of aviators and explorers.

Intensifying hostilities between the US, Iran and Israel included reciprocal strikes, with Iran targeting US‑linked sites across the Gulf and accusing Washington of hitting infrastructure near the Bushehr nuclear plant. Israel signaled readiness to strike Iran again, while Iranian leadership funerals drew massive crowds calling for revenge over Ali Khamenei’s assassination. US officials reported that Iranian missile and drone attacks caused no significant damage. Oil and financial markets reacted cautiously amid fears of escalating conflict and potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, while diplomatic contacts continued between Iran and regional partners.

Cyclospora infections have surged in the US, particularly in Michigan and Ohio, with nearly 1,000 cases reported in Michigan alone. The illness, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, spreads through produce or water contaminated with human feces and leads to symptoms such as watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fatigue. While rarely life‑threatening, the source of the current outbreak remains unknown. Previous large outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fruits, vegetables and herbs, including raspberries, basil and packaged lettuce. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce, choosing whole heads of lettuce over pre‑washed mixes, removing outer leaves and cooking vegetables when possible to reduce risk.

Graham Platner announced he would withdraw from the Maine Senate race while denying sexual assault allegations, prompting Democrats to prepare a convention to select a new nominee. Troy Jackson entered the race as Republicans attacked Democrats over the allegations and Donald Trump suggested the accuser might be lying, despite his own history of sexual assault findings. Party leaders in Maine criticized Platner’s campaign for attempting to influence the replacement process as multiple potential contenders signaled interest. Simultaneously, Trump called for the Supreme Court to revisit birthright citizenship after controversy involving a Texas hospital’s billboards, while his administration ordered additional strikes on Iran amid growing criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Legal developments included a judge ordering release of the funds Trump owes E Jean Carroll after losing an appeal effort. Concerns also mounted about Mitch McConnell’s health as political tensions continued across multiple fronts.

Donald Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire over and warned of further American strikes following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels near the strait of Hormuz. US strikes hit targets in southern Iran as tensions escalated across the region, prompting sharp rises in oil prices and disrupting tanker movements. Iran, Israel, Kuwait, and Lebanon reported continued cross‑border attacks despite diplomatic efforts, while NATO meetings highlighted US divisions with allies. Regional institutions criticised restrictions on diplomatic movement, and rights groups condemned evidence of detainee abuse. The situation raised concerns over broader instability and economic impact as negotiations for a longer-term agreement stalled.

Democratic pressure intensified on Graham Platner to exit the Maine Senate race after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, prompting calls from senior party figures for his withdrawal ahead of a mid-July deadline. Party leaders prepared for a potential replacement as the controversy threatened Democratic prospects in a key Senate battleground. Additional developments included Trump’s renewed push for the US to acquire Greenland, Nato-related tensions, a federal court striking down part of Florida’s Stop Woke Act, and ongoing concerns about Mitch McConnell’s health. Broader election dynamics highlighted challenges for Democrats as they seek to regain Senate control.

Marine Le Pen confirmed she will run in France’s 2027 presidential election and appeal her conviction, arguing the move suspends a requirement to wear an electronic tag that she says would make campaigning impossible. She positioned her candidacy as a joint ticket with Jordan Bardella, preserving a fallback option should the appeal fail. The strategy seeks to frame her legal battle as an issue for voters to decide, while polls show both she and Bardella are competitive contenders. The Court of Cassation is expected to rule before the election, leaving uncertainty over whether the tag could still derail her campaign. At the Nato summit, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged allies to allow Ukraine to join the alliance, saying the country's defensive capabilities would strengthen collective security, though membership remains unlikely while the war continues.

Leading Democratic figures called on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw after an ex-partner accused him of sexual assault in a Politico report. Platner denied the allegation, but party leaders, including Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Elizabeth Warren, and several other prominent Democrats, rescinded endorsements and said he should step aside. The report detailed the accuser’s account and past concerns about Platner’s behavior, while his campaign characterized the allegations as politically motivated. If Platner withdraws, Democrats have until 27 July to select a replacement under Maine law.

Democratic leaders and public figures rapidly withdrew endorsements from Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner after a woman accused him of sexual assault, prompting widespread calls for him to exit the race before the state’s July deadline for candidate replacement. Platner denied the allegations but acknowledged the political damage and signaled his campaign was reassessing its path. Key Democratic organizations, including the DSCC and End Citizens United, emphasized that the accusations were serious and disqualifying, while the Republican National Committee also condemned the alleged conduct. Public figures such as Stephen King and Hasan Piker weighed in as corroborating accounts surfaced in Politico’s reporting. The live updates additionally noted unrelated developments involving Donald Trump’s administration, price reductions at Walmart, and a separate high-profile shooting case in Utah.

An Idaho mother, Andrea Shaw, was indicted on two counts of first‑degree murder for the deaths of her 18‑month‑old twins, Tyson and Dallas, who were found dead in May last year. Shaw and her husband had publicly claimed on a Children’s Health Defense podcast that vaccines caused the deaths, though no evidence supporting this claim has been provided. Court documents cited by KTVB allege the children were suffocated. Shaw was arrested in Boise and is being held on a $2 million bond. Authorities have declined further comment while the case proceeds, and Shaw’s next court appearance is scheduled for 14 July.

A severe heatwave across the United States caused at least 25 deaths as temperatures exceeded 100F in more than 20 states and over 140 million people remained under heat alerts. New Jersey reported 22 suspected heat-related deaths, with additional fatalities recorded in Illinois and Mississippi. Emergency services in Washington DC treated dozens for heat-related illnesses as holiday events were canceled or disrupted. Cooler air is expected in parts of the northeast, but extreme heat shifted toward the mid-Atlantic and southeast. Officials urged precautions and emphasized the broader climate crisis driving increasingly dangerous heatwaves.

The Atlantic republished JD Vance’s decade-old essay criticizing Donald Trump, highlighting Vance’s earlier depiction of Trump as “cultural heroin” and his prediction that supporters would eventually reject him. The resurfaced essay contrasts with Vance’s transformation from vocal Trump critic to vice-president and staunch ally, a shift that coincided with his political rise beginning with his 2022 Senate campaign. The article notes Trump’s current unpopularity amid policy failures and controversial actions, as well as Vance’s aspirations to succeed him. Commentary from David Frum underscores the significance of Vance’s reversal in political allegiance.

More than 400 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 18 US states, with Michigan and New York experiencing significant spikes. The CDC, working with the FDA and state health officials, is investigating multiple clusters without evidence of a single source. The parasite cyclospora, spread through contaminated produce and water, causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Authorities advise washing fresh produce thoroughly and seeking medical care for symptoms, while most healthy individuals recover without treatment.

Rosie O’Donnell condemned Donald Trump after he shared an AI-generated video depicting her and other celebrities as suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” calling for his removal under the 25th amendment. The live coverage detailed a wide range of political developments including Jack Smith’s warnings about threats to the next election, the indictment of Olympian Davey Hearn, intensified right-wing calls to bar pregnant foreigners from entering the U.S., an Air Force officer’s arrest during an anti-Trump protest, and Tucker Carlson’s comments about forming a new political party. Additional updates included controversies over the National Park Service’s altered historical exhibits, the administration’s use of AI-generated media, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Senate race, new Florida restrictions on undocumented students, and developments in both the Ukraine conflict and U.S. Supreme Court rulings expanding presidential authority.

A 31-year-old novice climber survived a 1,500ft fall on Mount Shasta and was rescued after cloud cover prevented helicopter access, prompting rangers to ascend on foot with assistance from other climbers. She was stabilized, lowered to Lake Helen, and transported by helicopter to a medical center. Officials emphasized the dangers of the high-altitude route and urged climbers to assess their skills and prepare for hazardous conditions.

Live coverage detailed multiple developments during the Trump administration, including Zohran Mamdani’s planned address for the US semiquincentennial, legal and political disputes surrounding birthright citizenship, the blocking of a nationwide mail‑in voting restriction, and Donald Trump’s comments on trade policy, cryptocurrency income, and interactions with an AI Theodore Roosevelt exhibit. Additional updates covered Colorado political shifts, the firing of clemency board members, ongoing controversies involving Tina Peters, and E Jean Carroll’s effort to compel Trump to pay a civil judgment. Trade negotiations under the USMCA, federal enforcement priorities on birth tourism, and Trump’s remarks at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library were also highlighted.

Authorities rescued 16 children from a Hamden, Ohio home where they had been confined to a single unsanitary room for years, leading to felony child‑endangerment charges against their parents and grandparents. Officials reported severe neglect, developmental issues and hazardous living conditions, with several children hospitalized, including one in critical condition. Investigators said the family had avoided official records and kept the children hidden while moving around southern Ohio. The state is seeking temporary custody as the case proceeds.

The US supreme court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Donald Trump’s attempt to end the constitutional guarantee and prompting him to call on Congress to pursue legislative changes. The court also allowed state bans on transgender women and girls competing in female sports and struck down limits on political party spending. Justices agreed to hear challenges to semiautomatic rifle bans while declining cases on firearm age restrictions. Additional developments included House action on misconduct settlement transparency, a federal ruling blocking changes to student loan forgiveness eligibility, financial disclosures showing Trump’s significant crypto-related earnings, and internal Republican divisions stalling House legislative procedures.

The US Supreme Court ruled that children born in the United States to parents who are unlawfully or temporarily present remain citizens under the 14th amendment, rejecting Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship. The majority opinion, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, reaffirmed principles originating in English common law, Reconstruction-era constitutional amendments and the precedent of Wong Kim Ark. Conservative justices issued multiple dissents, with Clarence Thomas arguing that children of temporary visitors lack the allegiance required for citizenship and Brett Kavanaugh suggesting Congress could legislate exceptions. Trump, criticizing the decision, urged Congress to pursue new legislation altering birthright citizenship despite significant procedural hurdles.