Marina Dunbar

Democratic lawmakers are demanding an investigation into conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has spent nearly nine months at sea and more than 200 days without a port call. Reports of low morale, mental-health strain and attempted overboard jumps have intensified criticism of the Trump administration, while Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth have downplayed or rejected concerns. Senator Ruben Gallego and Maryland Governor Wes Moore blamed poor planning and inadequate leadership, whereas Central Command commander Brad Cooper said the crew had performed exceptionally and that conditions had been addressed. The carrier's return date remains unannounced, though officials say morale improved after sailors were told they would go home.

Larry Montes, 46, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime, criminal mischief as a hate crime and other alleged violations after police said he disrupted Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan. Authorities allege that he struck a 63-year-old woman, damaged property, and spit at and head-butted a security team member. The incident was captured on the synagogue's livestream; the woman sustained minor injuries, and police said there was no ongoing threat or additional suspect. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the alleged attack, while the NYPD hate crime taskforce investigates.

Nearly 1.6 million dozen white and brown cage-free eggs produced in Texas have been placed under the FDA’s highest-risk Class I recall because they may be contaminated with salmonella. At least 98 people in 17 states became ill between November 2025 and June 2026, including 26 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported. The eggs were distributed across Texas and other southern and southwestern states, with sell-by and best-by dates extending through 17 August. Consumers are advised not to eat them and to return them for refunds. The recall comes amid several major US food-safety outbreaks and scrutiny of the Trump administration’s proposed regulatory changes.

Texas reserve police officer Chad Eberle was arrested while attempting to cross from Mexico into Texas after Mexican authorities accused him of killing two women and a man in Saltillo during a dispute over taking his three-year-old son. The child’s mother was critically injured, while the child was unharmed and placed under the care of Coahuila’s child welfare agency. Eberle was detained at the Piedras Negras border crossing and transferred to a Saltillo penitentiary pending judicial proceedings. Santa Anna officials confirmed he was an unpaid reserve officer on leave and said they would make no further comment while the investigation continues.

Perez Hilton is hospitalized and remains under medical care after viewers reported a TikTok livestream in which he appeared to self-harm. His family said he is able to communicate, expressed hope about his condition and thanked supporters. Miami-Dade deputies responded to his Miami home, spoke with family members and de-escalated the situation. Although TikTok removed the livestream, recordings spread on X and Instagram, prompting criticism of the platform and calls for users to disable autoplay and mute related mentions.

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is auctioning its final 60 retired MetroCard vending and express machines as the subway system moves toward OMNY contactless payments. The machines are being sold as-is without electronic and payment components, with buyers responsible for transporting units weighing up to 1,050 pounds. Interest has already emerged among New Yorkers and transit enthusiasts, while any unsold machines will be offered through GovDeals. The sale marks the fading of the MetroCard, a fixture of New York commuting and a popular medium for commemorative cultural promotions.

Ohio Republican senator Bernie Moreno called for his former son-in-law, Representative Max Miller, to resign from Congress, citing allegations of domestic and child abuse made by Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno. Miller denied the accusations during a livestream, said no court or agency had substantiated them, and vowed to continue his reelection campaign despite an approaching ballot-replacement deadline. The allegations, which include claims that he threw hot water, held a gun to Emily Moreno’s head and injured their daughter, have increased scrutiny of the competitive Ohio congressional race.

US prosecutors subpoenaed freelance New York Times reporter Matthew Cole over his reporting on a failed top-secret US mission in North Korea, demanding two years of his contacts and sources. FBI agents delivered the subpoena to Cole’s New York home, and his lawyer said he would defend press freedom and the First Amendment. The case is part of a wider Trump administration effort to investigate alleged leaks, which has also involved subpoenas targeting New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post journalists. Several of those subpoenas were later withdrawn amid judicial scrutiny over whether prosecutors had met the legal standards for seeking reporters’ records.

Trump Media and Technology Group has launched Truth API, a subscription service costing up to $100,000 a month that gives trading firms and other customers faster access to Truth Social posts. The service is drawing scrutiny because Donald Trump, whose posts can move financial markets and whose account dominates the platform, is the company’s largest shareholder and could personally benefit. Democratic senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate possible violations involving corruption, market manipulation and insider trading. The launch comes amid steep losses in Trump Media’s stock and wider scrutiny of revenue from Trump family businesses and cryptocurrency ventures.

More than 4 million Americans, including over 1 million children, lost access to SNAP benefits between July 2025 and March 2026 after passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law tightened eligibility rules, increased state screening requirements, and shifted more program costs to states. Arizona experienced the largest reported decline, while Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Texas saw substantial losses among children. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities warned that the cuts could worsen without congressional action, and more than 200 mayors urged the Senate to reverse them amid a deepening food security crisis.

Eight members of one family, including six children aged five to 15, were found dead inside a burning home in Grand Haven Township, Michigan. Some victims had gunshot wounds. Authorities are not currently seeking suspects from outside the residence, but the investigation remains active as officials determine the fire's origin and cause. Autopsies are expected to provide additional information.

The United States has recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026, exceeding the 2,289 cases reported in all of 2025 and making this the country’s worst measles year since 1991. Major outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have contributed to the surge, which is being driven by declining vaccination coverage below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Health experts warn that the US could lose its measles-free status and see the disease become regularly circulating again. They say a nationwide vaccination effort is needed, but criticize Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration for vaccine-sceptic messaging and cuts to public-health capacity.

A Trump administration official said the US mission in its months‑long conflict with Iran has shifted toward ensuring oil shipments move safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Energy secretary Chris Wright defended the administration’s strategy amid rising criticism over the war’s duration and growing US casualties. Senator Mark Warner argued the conflict was a war of choice and said the administration has failed to meet objectives related to regime change, nuclear material security, and Iran’s missile and drone capabilities. New US military deaths were reported, and the US launched retaliatory strikes against Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Donald Trump pressed Congress to add Iran to pending Russia sanctions legislation, escalating pressure on Tehran.

Two men from North Dakota discovered through at‑home DNA testing that they were switched as newborns in 1988, leading them and their families to sue Unity Medical Center. The lawsuit alleges the hospital’s staff mistakenly exchanged the infants and failed to correct the error. The hospital denies responsibility, citing missing records and lack of surviving staff from that period. Both men have since met their biological families, describing the reunions as welcoming but awkward, while their families express a sense of loss over decades spent apart.

Smoke from widespread Canadian wildfires has severely deteriorated air quality across large regions of the US and Canada, disrupting daily life, straining workplaces and overwhelming hospitals. Residents report hazardous conditions, health impacts and growing frustration over governmental preparedness as smoke blankets major cities from Chicago to New York. Vulnerable populations face worsening respiratory issues, and experts warn the crisis will likely persist as fires continue burning across Canada.

A former marine and Republican write‑in candidate for Florida’s fifth congressional district, William Upham, was arrested and charged with threatening to kill Donald Trump. A federal complaint states that the Secret Service investigated videos in which Upham, wearing a military uniform, called for overthrowing the Trump administration and described killing tactics involving semiautomatic rifles. Investigators also found a communication in which he allegedly declared war on Trump and vowed to kill him at a time of his choosing. Authorities noted his access to firearms and recent concerning statements. The acting US secretary of the navy publicly condemned Upham’s comments.

A longtime teleprompter operator for Donald Trump was placed on unpaid leave after reports that he used advance knowledge of the president’s speeches to profit from bets on the prediction market Kalshi. The White House condemned the conduct and said another operator would handle the president’s upcoming speech. Federal regulators are investigating allegations that the operator earned more than $90,000 through insider trading, with Kalshi alerting authorities after detecting unusual activity. The case comes amid broader Justice Department actions involving insider trading on prediction markets and increased regulatory scrutiny as the platforms grow in popularity, even as the CFTC leadership signals support for their operation.

General Mills recalled nearly 736,000 Pillsbury frozen bread rolls after the FDA warned they may contain glass, covering Hard Roll Dough and Kaiser Roll Dough distributed across multiple US states. The products, sold primarily to commercial food service customers, carry use‑by dates in October 2026. The action follows earlier recalls of frozen foods and desserts from other brands due to similar contamination concerns.

The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, announced a new Department of Defense program requiring annual testosterone deficiency screenings for service members aged 30 and older, with optional testing for younger troops. The initiative aims to enhance physical and mental readiness and includes voluntary treatment options such as testosterone replacement therapy. The announcement comes amid broader right‑wing political focus on declining testosterone levels, highlighted by figures such as Robert F Kennedy Jr and Tucker Carlson. Critics note the program does not address its applicability to women in the military and reflects a growing online push targeting young men with hormone‑related content despite limited medical justification.

Martha Lillard, the last known person in the US reliant on an iron lung due to childhood polio, died at 78 in Oklahoma from chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome. After contracting polio at age five, she spent most of her life in the metal respirator but remained active, attending school, traveling, and driving for a time. Her sister noted long-term Covid-19 may have contributed to her decline. Her death follows that of Paul Alexander, another longtime iron lung user, two years earlier. The article recounts the historical use of iron lungs during mid‑20th‑century US polio outbreaks and notes polio’s elimination in the country after widespread vaccination.

Court records show that 16-year-old Colt Gray is scheduled for a non-negotiated plea and sentencing hearing on 24 July in connection with the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting that killed two students and two teachers. Gray previously pleaded not guilty to 55 charges, including malice murder and aggravated assault, and faces up to 180 years in prison. His father, Colin Gray, was earlier convicted of second-degree murder for allowing his son access to the firearm used in the attack. Investigators say the teen brought an assault-style rifle onto a school bus before opening fire inside the school, killing four people and wounding nine others. The case has contributed to ongoing national calls for stronger federal gun control measures, which Congress has not enacted.

Ro Khanna reported being detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank, claiming they blocked his group’s vehicle while the Israel Defense Forces backed the settlers. He described the incident as illustrating systemic impunity and the conditions faced by Palestinians. The group proceeded only after contacting the US embassy and Israeli police. The report places the episode in the broader context of expanding settlements, settler violence, and international criticism of Israel’s actions. Khanna, a prominent critic of the Gaza war within the Democratic Party, said the experience strengthened his consideration of a presidential run.

Federal election officials across all 50 states received letters from the Trump justice department threatening criminal prosecution unless they turn over voter registration lists, prompting strong bipartisan backlash and renewed concerns about federal overreach into state-run elections. Democratic lawmakers and multiple state officials denounced the move as intimidation following a failed DOJ lawsuit seeking the same data. The live coverage also detailed Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate race, congressional investigations into ICE’s fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, the dismissal of the Proud Boys seditious conspiracy case under pressure from Trump, reports of FEMA resources being diverted to immigration enforcement, new Iran-related sanctions targeting key financiers, and developments in bipartisan negotiations over Russia sanctions legislation. Additional updates included White House security upgrades, construction of a privately funded helipad, and emerging political realignments in Pennsylvania’s Senate delegation.

John Fetterman and Republican senator Dave McCormick have formed a joint fundraising committee, prompting renewed speculation about Fetterman’s political direction as he continues to break with Democrats on several key issues. The committee, Common Ground PA, will support both senators’ campaigns and reinforces their growing bipartisan cooperation. Fetterman’s recent positions, including backing several Trump cabinet nominees and supporting parts of the administration’s immigration and Iran policies, have drawn criticism from fellow Democrats and fueled predictions of a potential party switch. Both senators remain below majority approval in Pennsylvania as they prepare for future election cycles.

A satirical Instagram creator, Amanda McGonigle, filed a lawsuit against JD Vance and the US Secret Service, alleging she was barred from attending a vice‑presidential event in Bangor due to her online criticism. Supported by the ACLU of Maine, she argues the exclusion violated her First Amendment rights. Court documents describe Secret Service officers identifying her and denying entry, and note a previous incident in Iowa where she never received a confirmation email. McGonigle and ACLU attorneys characterize the actions as political retaliation, asserting that her satirical content is protected speech.

Donald Trump made his first trip aboard the Qatari‑gifted Boeing 747‑8 designated as a temporary Air Force One, drawing bipartisan criticism over corruption concerns and the cost of converting the aircraft. The White House rejected allegations of impropriety, emphasizing compliance with the law and minimal taxpayer spending on upgrades. Critics argued the donation undermines ethics standards and may divert resources from the delayed Sentinel missile modernization program. The jet will serve as a stopgap until two new presidential aircraft arrive in 2027 and 2028.

Three firefighters were killed and two injured while responding to the Knowles and Gore wildfires along the Utah–Colorado border, prompting expressions of support from federal fire agencies. Extreme heat, wind and low humidity have fueled rapid wildfire growth across the western United States, including Utah’s Cottonwood fire, which expanded to more than 92,000 acres and remained uncontained. Utah and Colorado declared states of emergency, deployed additional firefighting resources and implemented measures such as fireworks bans and power shutoffs. Red flag warnings across multiple states and widespread dry conditions highlight escalating wildfire risks linked to ongoing climate change.

Investigators in northern California uncovered 117 buried dogs at Miranda’s Rescue near Fortuna, many showing signs of gunshot wounds, along with hundreds of collars and additional remains. Authorities used ground-penetrating radar to locate mass graves and are working to identify dogs through microchips. The sanctuary’s founder, Shannon Miranda, denied wrongdoing and said any euthanasia was reported and conducted only in rare circumstances. The months‑long probe, triggered by a neighbor’s discovery of remains, continues with no charges filed yet as officials review extensive evidence for potential animal cruelty or fraud violations.

US forces conducted airstrikes on Iranian missile, drone and radar sites following Iran’s drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. JD Vance warned that any further violence would be met with force, while Iran insisted ships must coordinate passage with its authorities under the ceasefire agreement. The strikes prompted threats of retaliation from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. A US‑brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon was signed in Washington, with the State Department presenting it as a step toward reducing regional conflict. Domestic political tensions continued as Donald Trump delivered inflammatory remarks at a conservative conference, Texas approved mandatory Bible readings in public schools, and Pete Buttigieg revealed his family was investigated over a false abuse allegation. Heavy rain forced the cancellation of events at the Great American State Fair in Washington, including a Vanilla Ice concert, while security measures around government venues drew attention.

Authorities in Michigan charged Damien and Jessica O’Brien with second‑degree murder after their seven‑year‑old son, Casper, died weighing 255 pounds and living in unsafe conditions. Investigators found severe neglect, including failure to obtain medical care despite prior referrals and a restrictive diet leading to immobility. A five‑year‑old sibling was also reported to be in unsafe and unhealthy conditions, resulting in additional child‑abuse charges. If convicted, the parents face life imprisonment.

Texas approved a statewide reading list that makes Bible passages mandatory for more than 5 million public school students, expanding a 2023 law requiring designated literary works for each grade. Beginning in 2030, students will study excerpts from books such as Jonah, Psalms, Lamentations and Genesis. Critics argue the mandate violates church–state separation and favors Christianity, while supporters cite the historical influence of Judeo‑Christian traditions. The curriculum has also drawn criticism for its emphasis on older works by white male authors, contrasting with the state’s diverse student population. The move continues a broader Republican‑led effort to increase religion’s presence in public education.

Ron Wyden warned that the Department of Health and Human Services was preparing a legally questionable process to deport more than 500 unaccompanied migrant children who have been in federal custody for months without viable sponsors. He argued that the effort risks bypassing due process, pre‑empting immigration court oversight and returning children to unsafe conditions in multiple countries. Wyden criticized the agency for a lack of transparency and urged an immediate halt to any removal plans, while HHS denied targeting children and instead blamed prior inadequate sponsor vetting and emphasized efforts to identify legal guardians.

Donald Trump canceled the signing of a bipartisan housing bill while pressuring Congress to pass a restrictive voting measure, sparking criticism from lawmakers. A tense confrontation occurred between Trump and Republican senator Bill Cassidy over the ongoing Iran conflict and war powers limits. Trump delivered partisan remarks during 250th‑anniversary events, repeated unverified claims about vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, and defended US strikes in Iran while deflecting responsibility for a deadly school bombing. Nato’s Mark Rutte praised Trump but challenged his assertions about allied support. Developments in Lebanon further complicated US‑Iran ceasefire talks as Israel signaled no withdrawal from the south. Democratic lawmakers opposed proposed USPS rules restricting ballot delivery, and Frank Pallone called for a national moratorium on AI datacenters. Additional political tensions included leadership changes in the US Army and continued disputes over Trump’s policy agenda.

Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she no longer supports the Republican Party, joining Tucker Carlson in rejecting the GOP ahead of the midterm elections. Both figures argue the party has betrayed its voters and abandoned “America first” principles, particularly regarding foreign policy toward Iran and insufficient attention to domestic economic concerns. Their stance highlights growing divisions within the Republican base, compounded by Greene’s deteriorating relationship with Donald Trump over issues including the handling of the Epstein files. Carlson has expressed regret for past support of Trump, while Greene reports facing threats following Trump’s attacks. The shift underscores broader discontent among former Republican allies.

Escalating tensions between the US and Iran coincide with high‑level peace talks in Switzerland, where JD Vance reports progress despite Iran’s renewed closure of the strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump threatens further strikes unless Iran reins in Hezbollah activity in Lebanon. Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon, while casualties mount amid ongoing clashes. Iranian officials insist they are not pursuing nuclear weapons but refuse to relinquish uranium enrichment rights. Mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and regional powers push for swift diplomatic breakthroughs, while concerns persist over a secretive US investigation into a deadly school bombing in Iran. US military efforts maintain shipping traffic through alternative routes as the strait remains blocked.

The Texas supreme court ruled that environmental groups lack standing to challenge state-approved closures of Boca Chica Beach during SpaceX rocket launches, upholding dismissal of the lawsuit and preserving SpaceX’s authority to restrict public access under a 2013 law. The decision rests on a constitutional provision barring private parties from enforcing beach-access protections. Environmental advocates argue the ruling prioritizes SpaceX’s interests over Texans’ rights, while state agencies and the FAA maintain the closures are permitted for safety and regulatory compliance.

US and Iranian leaders confirmed a memorandum of understanding to end the regional conflict, prompting the US to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and begin a 60‑day period to reach a final agreement. Trump called for a complete ceasefire on all fronts, while JD Vance defended the deal and urged critics to trust the administration’s strategy. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon continued despite the agreement, with Hezbollah reporting ongoing clashes. Tensions rose between Israel and the EU after Kaja Kallas was accused of comparing Israel to apartheid South Africa. Iran’s supreme leader endorsed the agreement after assurances that national interests and the Resistance Front would be protected. US officials warned that military action could resume if Iran fails to comply with the deal, and diplomatic discussions are expected to continue in Switzerland.

The United States and Iran digitally signed a memorandum of understanding establishing an immediate and permanent halt to hostilities, including in Lebanon, while beginning a 60‑day window to negotiate a final agreement. The deal requires Iran to dilute its enriched uranium, reopen the strait of Hormuz toll‑free for 60 days, and commit not to pursue nuclear weapons, while the US will waive sanctions on Iranian oil exports and lift a naval blockade. Oil prices fell on expectations of resumed maritime traffic. Political backlash emerged from several Republican senators who argue the agreement concedes too much to Tehran, while US officials defend it as preventing nuclear escalation and averting global economic disruption. Uncertainty remains around the formal signing ceremony planned for Switzerland, though both presidents have already signed the document.

Republican senators issued sharp criticism of Donald Trump’s interim agreement with Iran, calling it a major foreign policy mistake that grants extensive concessions to Tehran while failing to curb its nuclear ambitions. Bill Cassidy led the opposition, arguing the deal weakened US leverage, raised security risks and rewarded Iran economically. Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham expressed reservations, though Graham shifted toward cautious support after receiving more information. Concerns also emerged over a proposed $300bn fund for Iran. The memorandum of understanding grants 60 days for negotiating a final agreement as congressional Republicans remain divided over Trump’s handling of the conflict and broader war powers authority.