Owen Scott

Donald Trump shared an apparently AI-generated image showing his face imprinted in algae-green water on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which had been repainted blue before algae and peeling paint became visible. Trump has blamed vandals for the pool’s condition. The post followed a decision by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office to drop charges against former canoeist David Hearn while leaving open the possibility of a renewed prosecution. Trump also posted AI-generated images depicting himself as White House press secretary and reviving the Keystone XL pipeline, which he said could be brought back after Joe Biden revoked a required permit.

An Environment America analysis found potentially unsafe fecal contamination at 171 of 202 monitored recreational waterway locations in Missouri during at least one day in 2024 and 2025. Harry S. Truman Reservoir, Grand Glaize Creek and Sycamore Creek showed persistent bacterial risk, while the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reported elevated E. coli near a failing wastewater treatment facility on the Big River. Pollution sources include stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, livestock manure and failing septic systems. Advocates are calling for infrastructure upgrades, but the EPA estimates that protecting U.S. waterbodies will require about $630 billion over 20 years.

A 250-pound black bear entered an unlocked car in Colorado Springs, became trapped when the door closed, and died in the summer heat after remaining inside for days. Colorado Parks and Wildlife urged residents to lock vehicle doors and windows and remove food and trash, warning that bears attracted to human food can become habituated and pose safety risks. The agency reported 6,129 bear sightings and conflict reports from January 1 to August 13, nearly twice the number recorded during the same period the previous year, attributing the increase to a poor natural-food year caused by low snowpack and late freezes. A separate bear trapped in a vehicle in nearby Manitou Springs on July 29 was removed without injuries.

Donald Trump suggested reviving the Keystone XL oil pipeline in Truth Social posts, including one featuring an AI-generated image depicting the project being pulled from a grave marked “Buried by Biden.” The proposed pipeline would carry up to 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Alberta to Nebraska, but its U.S. permit was revoked under Joe Biden after years of opposition, including from Barack Obama. Environmental groups and Native American tribes have raised concerns about spills and threats to land and water. Trump made the comments while announcing a temporary pause in tariffs on Canadian imports, although Prime Minister Mark Carney did not mention Keystone XL in his statement on trade talks.

President Donald Trump called opponents of his proposed White House ballroom project “disloyal” to the United States and defended the project as ahead of schedule and under budget. The development, planned for the former East Wing site, is involved in a court dispute over whether construction can continue, while an underground military facility and possible drone port are also being considered. An appeals court ordered the ballroom work to stop unless Congress authorizes it, and the administration has asked the Supreme Court to permit construction to proceed. Trump also defended broader renovations to the White House, claiming the building had been neglected before his presidency.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she can no longer recall seeing people wear MAGA hats or Trump shirts, responding to the closure of a Trump-themed store in Tennessee. The store’s owner attributes falling sales to economic hardship and declining enthusiasm for Trump. The article cites polling showing low approval of Trump and a small Democratic advantage on economic management, while noting Greene’s break with Trump over the Epstein files, the Iran war, and cost-of-living concerns. It also describes broader signs of weakening support for the MAGA movement, including declining audiences for right-wing online influencers.

Flock Safety is shortening its recommended license-plate data retention period from 30 days to seven, requiring case-linked search codes and audit tools, and allowing law-enforcement agencies to restrict searches by investigation type. The changes follow evidence that officers misused the system to monitor partners and former partners, as well as growing cancellations by communities. Civil-liberties and legal advocates say the reforms do not resolve the broader constitutional concerns surrounding warrantless tracking and remain largely under police departments’ control.

Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon and U.S. Navy to develop plans to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) with older steam catapults on some Ford-class aircraft carriers. The USS Doris Miller would be the first affected vessel, while existing and several planned carriers would remain unchanged. The article explains how steam catapults and EMALS work and traces Trump’s repeated criticism of the electric system—from remarks in a 2017 interview and comments to sailors in Japan in 2019 to promises during his second presidency to mandate steam catapults and hydraulic elevators. The proposed changes could cost billions of dollars.

Forbes chief content officer Randall Lane was fired after reportedly accepting a payment worth about $6 million from RJ Shook, founder of Shook Research, a company that worked with Forbes on wealth adviser rankings. Lane acknowledged that he failed to disclose the payment and called it a serious error in judgment. Forbes declined to provide further details because of personnel-confidentiality policies, while executive editor Kerry Lauerman assumed interim oversight. Shook Research and RJ Shook had not commented.

A Colorado mother asked Keenesburg police officer Jack Ross to stage a mock arrest after her fifth-grade son, Colton, refused to pose for a first-day-of-school photo. The officer handcuffed Colton, placed him in a police car and posed for photos, turning the incident into a humorous memory. The mother and Keenesburg Police Chief Jensen praised the officers for building positive relationships with children, while the article also notes a Michigan police department’s warning that seemingly harmless online pranks can cause panic, provoke dangerous reactions and waste emergency resources.

Donald Trump has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino as pressure mounts over Infantino’s leadership and a proposed $20 billion subsidiary to commercialize the World Cup and other competitions. Their relationship began with White House meetings after the United States secured co-hosting rights for the 2026 tournament and deepened through shared appearances, Trump receiving FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize, and cooperation over plans for Gaza. The pair also drew controversy when Trump intervened after a red card involving U.S. player Folarin Balogun, and when Infantino ushered Trump off stage after the final. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation condemned the proposed subsidiary and called for an independent review, while FIFA said efforts were being made to undermine Infantino ahead of his re-election campaign.

The Powerball jackpot has risen to an estimated $975 million for Wednesday’s drawing after no ticket matched all six numbers in the previous draw, making it the largest lottery prize of the year so far. The winner can choose a lump sum estimated at $422.3 million or 30 graduated payments, with federal and potentially state taxes substantially reducing the cash payout. Powerball’s record jackpot was $2.04 billion, won in California in 2022. The game has also launched in the United Kingdom through the National Lottery, although the odds of winning the top prize remain approximately one in 292.2 million.

Dueling Axes, a Columbus-founded axe-throwing and sports-bar chain, abruptly closed all five of its U.S. locations on July 31, including venues in Las Vegas, Columbus, New Albany, Grove City and Cincinnati. The founders cited circumstances outside their control and thanked employees and customers. The company offered axe throwing, themed events, food and full-service bars. A mobile unit was purchased by Square Canvas, rebranded and deployed at the Ohio State Fair, allowing part of the business to continue.

Donald Trump said Anthony Fauci should potentially be prosecuted after Senator Rand Paul sought action over Fauci’s refusal to answer questions at a Senate hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8–7 along party lines to hold Fauci in contempt after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times. Paul wants the matter referred directly to the Justice Department, but prosecution would require the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., to obtain a grand jury indictment. Fauci and his lawyer argue that the proceedings are a politically motivated vendetta, while Republicans accuse him of misleading Congress about pandemic policies, gain-of-function research and records.

President Donald Trump said Anthony Fauci should potentially be prosecuted shortly after Senator Rand Paul called for Justice Department action against the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director. Senate Republicans voted 8–7 along party lines to hold Fauci in contempt after he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights repeatedly during a subpoenaed hearing about the COVID-19 response, gain-of-function research, records, and his pardon. Paul wants the matter referred directly to the Justice Department rather than waiting for a full Senate vote. Any prosecution would require the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to secure a grand jury indictment. Fauci's lawyer called the contempt resolution a politically motivated punishment for exercising constitutional rights, while Republicans argue that refusing to answer the committee's questions constituted contempt and that alleged false testimony could expose Fauci to perjury charges.

The future of Vegas Vic, Las Vegas’s 40-foot neon cowboy landmark installed in 1951, is uncertain after tourists reported that its lights and waving mechanism were often not working. Neon Museum CEO Aaron Berger said the sign may require a costly restoration and that the museum’s attempts to take it over have gone unanswered. The City of Las Vegas worked with the owner on a 2023 restoration and requires the sign to be illuminated from before dusk until after dawn and maintained in good condition, but complaints using the hashtag #FixVic have continued.

Protesters clashed with Madison police after city officials cleared an encampment and memorial for Corey Ruiz, a Black man shot and killed by a Madison officer on 22 July. Police said protesters lit fires and threw objects, leading to arrests, pepper spray and mounted units; protesters later rebuilt the memorial. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said the city intended to remove barricades while preserving memorial items and belongings. The four officers involved remain on administrative leave during a Wisconsin Department of Justice investigation, while civil rights attorney Ben Crump has called for criminal charges against the officer who fired the shots.

Salad and Go will close all 70 of its Arizona and Nevada drive-through restaurants on August 5 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. CEO Mike Tattersfield attributed the decision to rising costs, growth difficulties, weak consumer demand and the broader confidence shock caused by a cyclospora outbreak, although the chain was not implicated. The outbreak, linked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell and sourced from Taylor Farms operations in Mexico, has also prompted Sysco to halt purchases and distribution of Mexican iceberg lettuce while authorities investigate additional sources.

Buc-ee’s has filed a federal lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, arguing that the minimart’s smiling beaver logo and red branding could confuse customers. Owner Vik Boparai says the logo has been used since the store opened and questions why a large chain would target his family business. Buc-ee’s is seeking an injunction, damages, profits and legal fees, while supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign for the minimart’s defense. The dispute follows comedian John Oliver’s criticism of Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuits and the launch of his satirical Buc-Off merchandise, with proceeds benefiting Hunger Free America.

Axeel Melendez, who says he was paralyzed when Pima County sheriff’s deputies responded to a fabricated emergency call at his Arizona home, has filed a $176 million notice of claim against Sheriff Chris Nanos, 13 deputies and other county officials. His attorney alleges that deputies ignored indicators the call was false, entered the home without contacting Melendez and fired eight bullets, at least two of which struck him. The county attorney says the case is complex and under review. Nanos is also overseeing the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, whose case has drawn criticism over the sheriff’s handling.

Tatiana Norman, 23, is accused of fatally injuring her six-month-old son, Jeremiah, in Lakeland, Florida, including by intentionally throwing him into an uncushioned playpen. After offering investigators several conflicting explanations, she allegedly admitted to multiple incidents and said she was overwhelmed and fatigued. Police found searches about the baby’s symptoms, along with TikTok viewing and visits to pornographic websites, during the hours before emergency services were contacted. An autopsy found injuries inconsistent with a simple fall, and the medical examiner said the child might have survived with prompt treatment. Norman faces an aggravated child abuse charge carrying a maximum sentence of 30 years.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops that Catholic schools could lose eligibility for state educational scholarships if they refuse to grant religious exemptions from vaccine requirements. The dispute follows concerns that some dioceses may rely on Catholic bioethical guidance stating that vaccines made using cell lines derived from aborted fetal tissue are not intrinsically evil. The bishops' conference is reviewing the demand, while Florida law requires public and private schools to offer religious exemptions and mandates vaccination against diseases including polio, chickenpox and measles. The controversy comes amid broader efforts by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and other lawmakers to weaken Florida's vaccine mandates, drawing warnings from health and education advocates about risks to children and public health.

Amazon received approximately $600 million in tariff refunds during its second financial quarter after the Supreme Court invalidated tariffs imposed by Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. CFO Brian Olsavsky said Amazon will proactively refund affected customers where applicable, while using other refunds to support low prices and investment. He said the amount was limited because Amazon bought inventory in advance and is often not the importer of record, and that the company generally absorbed tariff-related cost increases rather than passing them to consumers. The ruling struck down tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada, as well as levies linked to the US trade deficit.

Schools in Florida, Georgia and Colorado are piloting Campus Guardian Angel drones designed to respond to active shooters by navigating around gunfire, issuing warnings, deploying pepper rounds and ramming targets at speeds of up to 70 mph. The system can reportedly be activated by teachers and reach a shooter within 15 seconds. Mithril Defense CEO Justin Marston says the technology is intended to address the critical first moments of a shooting, while school safety officials have raised concerns that the drones could mistakenly attack fleeing students or police officers. The pilots involve hundreds of thousands of dollars in public or school-security funding.

A police raid at A Community Funeral Home in Houston reportedly uncovered a bucket containing organs and 48 boxes of cremated human remains, some of which families had allegedly been waiting for since 2023. Funeral home director Unique Green was arrested and faces theft and forgery charges, including allegations that she falsified credentials and fraudulently took approximately $2.2 million, a home and three vehicles from the estate of deceased 78-year-old Lawrence Gammon. Green denies wrongdoing and says she expects to be vindicated in court.

Arkansas police officer Fred Marsh, 24, drowned in Missouri's Elk River while saving his fiancée, Hailey, after she was swept into the current during a canoe trip. He rescued her but was then caught in the river and disappeared; his body was recovered the following day. Marsh had proposed to Hailey earlier that morning. Family members and Rogers Police Chief Jonathan Best remembered him as a selfless, hardworking officer, and a GoFundMe campaign was established to support his fiancée.

A man seated behind Donald Trump at a rally in Marietta, Georgia mimicked the former president’s characteristic hand gestures, expressions and fist-pumping dance while Trump spoke about investment in the state, stock market performance and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Clips of the imitation went viral on social media. Trump also referred to the Iran-US conflict as a “skirmish” while asserting that Iran would soon seek a deal.

A large-scale search is underway in California for Angelica Brophy, a mother of two and ER nurse who disappeared after dropping her daughter at camp on 6 July. She was last seen at a casino before entering Palomar Mountain State Park alone, where her car and personal belongings were later found. Multiple agencies, including the Oceanside Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, have conducted extensive land and water searches with no success. Family and friends have raised concerns about the unusual circumstances, noting she would not typically leave her phone behind. Authorities say there is no evidence of foul play, while her family continues to seek answers.

A Chicago resident was hospitalized with cyclosporiasis after eating a Taco Bell chalupa containing shredded iceberg lettuce linked to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. Nearly 1,700 cases have been confirmed across 34 states. Investigators traced the contamination to iceberg lettuce from a single Mexican supplier used by Taco Bell locations in several Midwestern states. Taylor Farms temporarily removed the lettuce from the U.S. market, later reporting a false positive test, while Taco Bell removed the ingredient nationwide out of caution. Health officials urge diners to avoid the affected lettuce and seek medical care if symptoms appear.

A Florida woman received an unintentionally suggestive license plate reading SQZ A55, becoming the subject of viral attention. Though initially upset, she decided to keep it after friends and family overwhelmingly voted in favor. State and county officials confirmed that offensive plates can be replaced at no charge and noted that only a small number of plate combinations are rejected each year for inappropriate content.

Funeral planning for Senator Lindsey Graham has been delayed due to the number of world leaders wishing to attend, complicating scheduling at the National Cathedral. Tim Scott indicated that services in Washington, D.C., are unlikely this week, with additional ceremonies expected in South Carolina soon after. Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a planned U.S. trip because of the shifting arrangements, while global figures including Netanyahu, Trump, Mark Rutte, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued tributes. Graham died from an aortic rupture, and his sister Darline has been appointed to fill his Senate seat until January.

The FBI is seeking interviews with individuals who traveled with Donald Trump on a Qatari-donated aircraft following media reports about security concerns involving its use as Air Force One. Investigators have contacted Secret Service personnel who accompanied Trump on a recent trip to Turkey and the UK. The inquiry aims to identify the source of leaks to The New York Times regarding security advice that led Trump to initially use an older Air Force One model. Officials maintain that the newer jet is equipped with sufficient defensive capabilities. Subpoenas were issued to several New York Times reporters as part of the investigation, which the publication is attempting to quash.

Two competing House bills propose ending twice-yearly clock changes by permanently adopting either daylight saving time or standard time. One bill, supported by Donald Trump, would make daylight saving time permanent, while another backed by Representative Mary Gay Scanlon argues for permanent standard time on public health grounds. The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the daylight saving bill with significant support, and several states have enacted contingent legislation awaiting congressional approval.

Police say Nathaniel Gotham admitted stabbing his wife multiple times at their Mesa apartment, leaving her with severe injuries that required hospitalisation. Officers found the suspected weapon, a kitchen knife, and noted wounds consistent with self‑defence. Gotham allegedly stated he wanted to stop her from talking and expressed longstanding grievances. He has been charged with attempted murder and is scheduled for another court appearance.

Marjorie Taylor Greene drew criticism for a brief social media tribute to Lindsey Graham referencing the Iran conflict shortly after his death from an aortic rupture. Responses labeled her message disrespectful, while official statements confirmed details of Graham’s passing. Benjamin Netanyahu praised Graham as a strong ally, and Greene’s ongoing disputes with Donald Trump and her criticism of U.S. actions in Iran were highlighted.

Mitch McConnell is reported to be preparing for a return to work, with an ally stating he has been meeting with staff and receiving issue briefings while recovering in the hospital. Emergency dispatch audio indicated he was previously found unconscious and treated for a possible cardiac arrest. His spokesperson says he continues to improve and is engaged in Senate and Kentucky-related matters. McConnell’s recent health history includes a concussion, rib fracture, flu-like symptoms, and public freezing episodes attributed to concussion recovery.

Former Champagne Manor owner Jason Lottman admitted to stealing over $1 million from couples and investors through fraudulent investment offers and prepaid wedding packages he failed to fulfill. Despite knowing the venue was heading into foreclosure, he continued collecting money while concealing its financial collapse. Victims, including Travis and Rachael Marshall, lost significant savings when the venue abruptly closed. Lottman faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing pending, while some victims have managed partial recovery through credit card disputes.

A man in Oroville, California required 54 doses of antivenom across two hospitals after being bitten twice by a rattlesnake, with one bite injecting venom directly into his bloodstream. He experienced severe symptoms and later developed disseminated intravascular coagulation, requiring transfusions and extensive treatment. After Oroville Hospital exhausted its antivenom supply, he was transferred to Stanford Medical Center for additional doses. Following a 12‑day hospitalization, he returned home but remains unable to work for an indefinite period.

Several Grand Canyon rafters have reported a mysterious illness involving symptoms ranging from cellulitis and pneumonia to fever and weakness. Matthew Wappett and Steven King described similar experiences after rafting between Lees Ferry and Diamond Creek, prompting comparisons within a Facebook group. The National Park Service has launched an investigation, coordinating with public health partners and monitoring reports, with more information expected as the probe continues.

A roof collapse at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey, prompted a major emergency response after severe flooding and storms. Twenty-seven people were inside when the roof gave way, and two were briefly entrapped but freed themselves. No injuries were reported. Emergency crews, including police, fire districts, rescue teams, and drone units, conducted thorough searches of the building. Officials highlighted the dangers of rapidly developing severe weather as flooding left cars submerged and disrupted travel. Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded roads and follow safety guidance.

A Wichita woman, Ivy Unruh, died after being shot by her estranged husband, Joshua Orlando, during an argument involving a Nintendo Switch. Orlando admitted to the shooting in a 911 call and later pleaded guilty to first‑degree murder and aggravated kidnapping. Court records indicate the couple had been in the process of divorce, with previous incidents of conflict reported. Unruh was found with the console in her hand and died days after the shooting. Orlando faces a minimum sentence of 38 years, with sentencing scheduled for August 28.

Air pollution from a warehouse fire in Boyle Heights exceeded particulate levels recorded during major Los Angeles County wildfires in early 2025, registering 755 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter at a nearby school. Monitoring data showed no elevated toxic metals, though low levels of bromine, chlorine and hydrogen fluoride were detected, all below short‑term health thresholds. Officials said the fire likely began during solar array testing and noted that decomposing food inside the facility poses a biohazard concern, though public health authorities reported no evidence of dangerous toxin or bacteria levels.

A 31-year-old woman, Brittany Clark, was fatally attacked by a large alligator while swimming with her boyfriend and friend in the Econlockhatchee River in Florida. Witness accounts describe the alligator seizing Clark and dragging both her and her boyfriend underwater as he attempted to save her. Emergency responders arrived after a 911 call, but Clark died from her injuries. Wildlife officials captured and euthanized two large alligators found nearby as part of an ongoing investigation. The incident was one of several alligator attacks reported in Central Florida within a week.

A 10-year-old boy in Swatara Township, Pennsylvania, was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to rob a Dollar Tree store and stabbing an employee during the struggle. He faces charges including robbery and aggravated assault and is being held in a secure facility. The incident follows a separate case in Missouri in which a different 10-year-old boy was charged with murder after the fatal shooting of a 7-month-old girl, believed to be the youngest murder charge in the state's history.

Prosecutors charged Las Vegas nurse practitioner Marizel Yukee with participating in a $906 million fraud scheme targeting Medicare and TRICARE, alleging she used the proceeds to buy luxury items including a Ferrari and high‑value jewelry, fund a Hawaii home, and invest in a Philippines resort. Authorities seized more than $35 million in assets and claim Yukee billed for medically unnecessary amniotic wound allografts obtained through illegal kickbacks while falsifying patient records. The indictment is part of a wider national crackdown involving 455 defendants and billions in alleged fraudulent claims.

Budweiser launched a nationwide promotion offering 25,000 six‑dollar vouchers for draught beer as part of celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary, excluding residents of California and Texas. Adults over 21 can apply online and receive a digital gift card if verified. The offer runs through 5 July. The holiday coincides with planned Semiquincentennial events, including a rally announced by Donald Trump and the Great American State Fair, while polling shows that a significant portion of Americans do not plan to celebrate Independence Day.

A Tesla attempting to turn in a Simi Valley parking lot veered onto a sidewalk, fatally striking a 79‑year‑old woman and injuring five others. The driver, a 64‑year‑old woman, and a juvenile passenger were hospitalized with moderate and minor injuries. Authorities are investigating whether mechanical failure, speed, or impairment played a role but do not suspect intent. The incident follows a separate fatal Tesla crash in Texas in which the driver reported using autopilot.

A 10-year-old boy in St. Louis was charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting 7-month-old Kiyomi Parker with a gun reportedly kept under a mattress by the baby’s father, Ca’Marion Pawnell, who also faces multiple child endangerment and felony murder charges. Police transported the infant to a hospital, where she died. Authorities confirmed the charges through the Juvenile Courts, and advocates highlighted the preventable nature of the incident.