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Meta takes aim at Twitter with the launch of rival app Threads
LONDON (AP) — Meta unveiled an app to rival Twitter on Thursday, appearing to target users looking for an alternative to the social media platform owned — and frequently changed — by Elon Musk.
After brief pause, Federal Reserve looks poised to raise interest rates again
Although policymakers kept rates steady last month, some Fed officials wanted to keep raising them.
www.cbsnews.comIn Trump case, Justice Dept. unseals previously blacked-out portions from search warrant application
The Justice Department has disclosed some of the previously blacked-out portions of a warrant application it submitted last year to gain authorization to search former President Donald Trump’s Florida property for classified documents.
apnews.com
Lin Wood, attorney who challenged Trump's 2020 election loss, gives up law license
Lin Wood, who fought to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 election loss, is avoiding any possibility of disbarment.
www.cbsnews.com
Louisiana Senate passes bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender youths
A controversial bill — that at one point had been presumed dead — banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths in Louisiana was passed by the Senate on Monday and is likely to reach the governor’s desk.
apnews.com
Federal judge in Trump case has limited track record in criminal cases, hews closely to DOJ sentencing recommendations
Judge Aileen Cannon's lack of a lengthy record on complex criminal cases has been a source of criticism since her assignment to the Trump case.
www.cbsnews.com
Oath Keepers leader warns Trump against trial: ‘You’re going to be found guilty’
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes warned former President Trump that he will be found guilty if he goes to trial in federal court, calling on his own experience facing a jury last year. Rho…
thehill.com
Justice Department had video of boxes being moved at Mar-a-Lago before FBI search, unredacted document shows | CNN Politics
“WITNESS 5 is observed moving twenty-five to thirty boxes, some of which were brown cardboard boxes and others of which were Bankers boxes.”
www.cnn.comSecondary test of powder found in West Wing lobby shows it's cocaine, Biden briefed on investigation
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the investigation into the discovery of cocaine on the lobby floor of the White House West Wing, and thinks it is “incredibly important” for the Secret Service to determine how it got there.
apnews.com
More Mar-a-Lago search warrant information released in Trump classified docs case
A less redacted version of the search warrant affidavit indicated officials became concerned after they viewed Mar-a-Lago security video they obtained from Trump’s company.
www.nbcnews.com
McCarthy’s latest challenge: Prevent shutdown while avoiding GOP revolt
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is fresh from a successful effort to raise the debt ceiling but now faces what might be an even tougher challenge: preventing a government shutdown without sparkin…
thehill.com
Ex-press secretary: Trump showed docs to Mar-a-Lago guests, has 'no respect for classified information'
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty last month to charges of mishandling classified documents recovered from his Florida resort.
www.usatoday.com
Bill Ackman explains why he embraced RFK Jr.'s skepticism on Covid vaccines
Bill Ackman once criticized Covid vaccination efforts for not moving fast enough. Now he's echoing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s scientifically dubious skepticism.
Threads app launch: What is Instagram's new 'Twitter killer'
Facebook's parent company is launching its attempt at creating a "Twitter killer" as soon as Wednesday as Elon Musk struggles to keep Twitter functional more than nine months after his initial purchase.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Top Republicans raise alarm on Biden's power plant regs: 'Growing risks to electric reliability'
Top Republicans on the Senate panels overseeing energy and environment issues are warning that President Biden's power plant crackdown could accelerate grid issues.
Trump lashes out at Biden family, media after cocaine found at White House
Former President Trump on Wednesday lashed out at President Biden, his son Hunter Biden, Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith and the media after a suspicious white powder found at the Whi…
thehill.com
Dozens killed when bus plunges into a gulch in southern Mexico
The bus crashed in the largely Indigenous Mixteca region of the southern state of Oaxaca.
www.nbcnews.comUkraine, Russia accuse each other of planning to attack Europe's biggest nuclear plant
Ukraine and Russia are accusing each other of planning to attack one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants.
apnews.com
Government appeals ruling that restricts feds from contacting social media firms
The unusual July 4 ruling found that the Biden administration's contacts with web platforms amounted to "censorship."
www.politico.com
Special counsel subpoenas Arizona secretary of state office in Jan. 6 probe
The Arizona Secretary of State’s office has been subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith as part of his investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, a spokesperson confirmed to T…
thehill.com
Russian jets harassed American drones that were targeting ISIS, U.S. says
"The Russian jets dropped multiple parachute flares in front of the drones, forcing our aircraft to conduct evasive maneuvers," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich.
www.nbcnews.com
Florida GOP will require DeSantis, Trump to sign loyalty pledge to make primary ballot
“We were trying to be consistent with what the debate was requiring,” said Evan Power, vice chair of the Republican Party of Florida.
www.politico.comTrump posted what he said was Obama's address, prosecutors say. An armed man was soon arrested there
Federal prosecutors say former President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform what he claimed was the home address of former President Barack Obama the same day a man with guns in his van was arrested near the property.
apnews.com
US Navy intervened to stop Iran seizing two tankers in Gulf of Oman, US defense official says | CNN Politics
The US Navy intervened to stop Iranian Navy ships attempting to seize two oil tankers in separate incidents in the Gulf of Oman early on Wednesday morning, according to a US defense official.
www.cnn.comConservatives go to red states and liberals go to blue as the country grows more polarized
Americans are segregating themselves by their politics at a rapid clip, helping fuel the greatest divide between the states in modern history.
apnews.com
Food stamps: July SNAP benefit payments to end for four states this week
Some states are wrapping up their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for July this week as other states continue to roll out their food stamps throughout the month.
www.washingtonexaminer.comArmed mobs rampage through villages and push remote Indian region to the brink of civil war
India's remote northeastern state of Manipur is caught in a deadly conflict between two ethnic communities that have armed themselves and launched brutal attacks against one another.
apnews.comFormer Sen. Claire McCaskill Delivers The Brutal Truth To Lindsey Graham
The former Missouri Democratic senator pulled no punches in summing up how her former colleague is treated by Donald Trump.
Gaetz suggests eliminating marijuana testing of service members
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would eliminate marijuana testing of service members when they are enlisted and when they rece…
thehill.comDonald Trump Baselessly Suggests Joe Biden Uses Cocaine, Calls Prosecutor 'Crackhead'
The former president said cocaine found at the White House must have belonged to Joe and Hunter Biden; the Biden family was out of town.
Trump fundraising haul surged in second quarter as he battled indictments
Former President Donald Trump's 2024 fundraising operation raked in more than $35 million in the second quarter, three campaign officials told CNBC.
UN records the highest number of 'grave violations' against children in conflicts
The U.N. children's agency says last year children experienced the highest number of “grave violations” in conflicts verified by the group.
apnews.com
UFO hunters say spacecraft debris appears 'artificial in origin'
Two Harvard University scientists, widely known as "alien hunters," said debris recovered from an unidentified flying object that crashed into the Pacific Ocean in January 2014 appears to be "artificial in origin."
www.washingtonexaminer.com
'It's partial justice': After El Paso Walmart shooter plea, killer faces sentencing
The mass shooter, who killed 23 people during a massacre at an El Paso Walmart, faces federal prison sentencing during a hearing beginning July 5.
www.usatoday.com
Leaping from senator to president won't be easy for Tim Scott
The South Carolina Republican is keeping some distance from the Capitol as he seeks the White House — which makes sense, given recent history in his party.
www.politico.com
Biden, top officials launch ‘Bidenomics’ tour as polls show opposition to WH plan
President Biden and his top officials will travel this week to tout "Bidenomics" as polls continue to show strong disapproval of the administration’s economic policies.
Watchdog faults "ineffective" Border Patrol process for release of migrant on terror watchlist
A report from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general focused on the release of a migrant in 2022 who was later found to be on the FBI's terrorist watchlist.
www.cbsnews.com
Ukraine war live updates: Zelenskyy warns of 'dangerous provocations' at nuclear plant; China's Xi reportedly warned Putin against nuclear attack
Ukraine and Russia traded allegations of plots to attack Europe's largest nuclear plant.
UN wants more access to Ukraine nuclear plant amid sabotage warnings
International Atomic Energy Agency seeks access to rooftop of Zaporizhzhia reactors to check for presence of explosives.
Aubrey O’Day Dishes On Allegedly Having Sex With Donald Trump Jr. In Gay Club Bathroom
The former Danity Kane singer claimed Trump Jr. seemed “very comfortable” and “totally chill” in a place where “everybody was in a G-string or less.”
Tax records show Sen. Joe Manchin has been late on payments repeatedly in recent years
A spokesperson said Manchin has "quickly rectified" payment lapses “as soon as he has been made aware” of them.
www.nbcnews.comIran tried to seize 2 oil tankers near Strait of Hormuz and fired shots at one of them, US Navy says
The U.S. Navy says Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, firing shots at one of them.
apnews.com
DeSantis, Trump mock Biden administration after cocaine found at White House
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) took a jab at the Biden administration after officials confirmed Wednesday that cocaine had been found inside the White House. “I’ve long believed, I think…
thehill.comWhy Biden world thinks the I-95 bridge repair holds the key to reelection
The president's team sees political connective tissue between the I-95 bridge repair and voter attitudes toward Biden.
www.politico.com
US accuses Russia of ‘harassing’ drones in Syria, releases video
US air force says evasive action was taken after Russian pilots engaged afterburner and deployed parachute flares.
Rep. Adam Schiff, censured by GOP-led House, raises $8.1 million for his California Senate race
Congressman Adam Schiff’s Senate campaign says the California Democrat raised $8.1 million over the past three months, a period that includes his recent censure by the Republican-led House.
apnews.comDozens killed when bus plunges into a gulch in southern Mexico
The bus crashed in the largely Indigenous Mixteca region of the southern state of Oaxaca.
www.nbcnews.com
DeSantis doubles down amid criticism over Trump-LGBTQ video
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) doubled down on the video his campaign shared last week that attacked former President Trump over his past remarks in support of the LGBTQ community. ̶…
thehill.comMayor Suarez launches an artificial intelligence chatbot for his presidential campaign
A super PAC supporting Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s run for the Republican presidential nomination has launched an artificial intelligence chatbot to answer questions about him.
apnews.com
IRS issues ‘last call’ for taxpayers to claim $1.5B in 2019 refunds
The IRS has issued a “last call” for U.S. taxpayers to file for roughly $1.5 billion in unclaimed refunds from the 2019 tax year. The agency estimates that around 1.5 million people are eligible to…
thehill.com
Russia wants to keep Ukrainian nuclear plant intact, if it remains Kremlin's
Russia's military forces have placed artillery batteries near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in a bid to stymie the Ukrainian counteroffensive that benefits from the persistent threat of disaster at the site, according to Ukrainian and Western officials.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Cocaine was found in 'heavily traveled area' of White House, Karine Jean-Pierre says
The Secret Service is investigating how the cocaine got into the White House.
www.usatoday.com
Tuesday set an unofficial record for the hottest day on Earth. Wednesday may break it.
The planet’s temperature spiked on Tuesday to its hottest day in at least 44 years and likely much longer.
apnews.com
Young victim of Texas Walmart massacre tells shooter, 'I want you dead'
Survivors of a 2019 massacre at a Texas Walmart that killed 23 people and wounded 22 others addressed the white nationalist shooter directly at a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
Canada vs. Meta: ‘Status quo, not working’
Trudeau minister says federal government plans to cut off advertising spending on Facebook and Instagram.
www.politico.com
Secret Service confirms cocaine was found in White House
The substance found Sunday in the White House that forced an evacuation tested positive as cocaine, the Secret Service confirmed to Fox News.
Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine must vacate California home, judge rules
Wednesday's ruling signals how the judge likely views the prenup — and it's in Kevin Costner's favor.
Oil dips as China demand fears offset tighter supply outlook
Oil prices slipped in Asian trade on Thursday as fears of a sluggish demand recovery in the world's top crude importer China offset the prospect of tighter supply, with top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia cutting output.
www.reuters.com
Threads, Instagram’s Twitter competitor, nears launch
A post from Mark Zuckerberg to his account on the new Threads app, set for launch Thursday, was briefly visible Wednesday morning.
www.nbcnews.comTrump will report raising more than $35 million in second quarter, campaign says
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign says he raised more than $35 million for his White House run during the second fundraising quarter, nearly double what he raised during the first three months of the year.
apnews.com
At least 4 killed in Russian missile attack on Lviv city, Ukraine
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi says Russian missile hit residential apartment building in the city.
Team behind ‘Peaky Blinders’ says DeSantis campaign was not given permission to use footage of Cillian Murphy
The production team behind the popular “Peaky Blinders” television show said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R) presidential campaign did not have permission to use clips from the hit drama in a video…
thehill.com
New Jersey judge under investigation after lip-synching controversial lyrics on TikTok
Superior Court Judge Gary N. Wilcox, 59, posted about 40 videos under the name “Sal Tortorella” from April 11, 2021, to March 4, according to court records.
www.nbcnews.com
Former Trump 2020 attorney Lin Wood retires ahead of potential disbarment
An attorney who worked for former President Trump during his challenges to the results of the 2020 presidential election has decided to retire ahead of his potential disbarment over Trump’s attempt…
thehill.comUS citizenship test changes are coming, raising concerns for those with low English skills
The U.S. citizenship test is changing, with rollout expected late next year. Under the proposed changes, the test would have a new English-speaking section and a new written multiple-choice format in the civics section.
apnews.com
Trump on cocaine found at the White House: Where are the security tapes?
Former President Donald Trump went off in several posts on his social media platform Truth Social about the cocaine reportedly found in the Biden White House.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Justice Department says it will appeal ruling blocking agency officials from communicating with social media companies
The Department of Justice announced that it will appeal a ruling blocking agency officials from communicating with social media companies.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Austin administers military oath of office to new recruits as US military faces continued recruiting crisis
Amid a recruitment crisis, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a personal visit on Wednesday to 85 new recruits, administering the military oath of office.
Jenin: Palestinians fear escalation after destructive West Bank assault
The atmosphere in the West Bank refugee camp feels like Gaza after wars with Israel, says Tom Bateman.
www.bbc.com
Navy stops Iran from seizing 2 commercial ships
Iran has tried to seize vessels in the Gulf of Oman and has targeted 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels since 2021, according to the Navy.
www.politico.com
QAnon Obama stalker arrested near former president's home is an ongoing threat, feds say.
Prosecutors also say former President Donald Trump posted Obama's home address on Truth Social, leading armed suspect Taylor Taranto to his neighborhood
www.usatoday.com
Suspect in Ukraine detonates explosives at a courthouse, killing himself and wounding 2 officers
Ukrainian officials say that a criminal suspect has died when he detonated explosives inside a court building in the Ukrainian capital. Two police officers were wounded.
apnews.com
A proposed English-speaking part for the revamped U.S. citizenship test raises concerns for some
Proposed changes include a speaking part based on a picture prompt and a civics multiple-choice format.
www.nbcnews.com
Taylor Taranto, Jan. 6 defendant arrested near Obama's home, threatened to blow up van at government facility, feds say
"He made several statements indicating that he intended to blow up his vehicle" at a federal complex in Maryland, prosecutors said.
www.cbsnews.comEl Salvadoran ex-President Mauricio Funes sentenced to 6 years for tax evasion
An El Salvador court has sentenced former President Mauricio Funes to six years in prison for tax evasion, the second time in barely more than a month that a court has sentenced the ex-leader in absentia.
apnews.com
Iowa GOP governor calls special session with 'sole purpose' of passing abortion restrictions | CNN Politics
Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that she will convene a special legislative session next week for the sole task of passing abortion restrictions.
www.cnn.com
Inside Ukraine's tech push to counter Russian 'suicide' drone threat
In a basement in downtown Kyiv late last month, away from prying eyes, hundreds of engineers and innovators met senior military officials to brainstorm ways to better neutralise the cheap Russian suicide drones that still devastate Ukrainian cities.
www.reuters.com
Cocaine found at White House: Cameras, visitor logs searched by Secret Service
Cocaine discovered in the White House on Sunday was found in a cubby hole in a West Wing entry area where visitors place electronics and other belongings before going on tours, a source familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
Biden to appeal Big Tech collusion ruling banning admin officials meeting with social media firms: Report
The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to appeal a federal court ruling banning certain officials from meeting with social media companies about suppressing speech.
US says it opposes export controls by China on metals, will consult allies
The United States "firmly" opposes export controls announced by China on gallium and germanium, metals needed to produce semiconductors and other electronics, a U.S. Commerce Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, adding that Washington will consult its partners and allies to address the issue.
www.reuters.com
Why FTC under Lina Khan is raising 'dark patterns' legal war with Amazon
The Federal Trade Commission has turned an increased focus toward deceptive web design practices that play on human emotions, also known as "dark patterns."
www.washingtonexaminer.comConnecticut lawmaker attacked after Muslim service says she sustained multiple physical injuries
A Connecticut state legislator who was attacked last month as she left a Muslim prayer service is making her first public comments about the incident. Rep.
apnews.com
Ohio abortion rights groups submit signatures for ballot measure
State officials must still review the signatures, but the measure to enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution appears headed for the November ballot.
www.nbcnews.com
A father preparing to walk his daughter down the aisle and a young man who ran out for a snack were among those killed in the Philadelphia mass shooting | CNN
Ralph Moralis was supposed to walk his daughter down the aisle this weekend. Instead, he was shot dead by a gunman who started firing randomly at vehicles and nearby pedestrians in southwest Philadelphia Monday night. Five people, including Moralis, were killed.
www.cnn.comCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom's climate agenda highlights tensions with environmental groups
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and environmental groups are clashing over some climate policies. Newsom considers himself a part of the environmental movement.
apnews.comPennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey lands his best fundraising quarter in his Senate reelection campaign
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey raised more than $4 million in the last three months — his best fundraising quarter ever — as he awaits a Republican challenger to his reelection bid in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania, his campaign said Wednesday. Casey's campaign said the fundraising...
Gov. Josh Shapiro backs out of bipartisan school voucher program to please Democrats
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) said he would use a line-item veto on a school voucher program he helped draft after pushback from Democrats in the Pennsylvania legislature.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Exonerated member of ‘Central Park Five’ wins primary for NYC Council seat
The victory is an improbable feat for a political novice who was wrongly accused, convicted and imprisoned as a teenager for the rape and beating of a white jogger in Central Park.
www.nbcnews.comJanet Yellen's China trip raises hope of more dialogue on economy
The trip offers a rare chance for top officials from the world’s two biggest economies to sit down together.
www.politico.comNew Mexico Supreme Court outlines guidance for handling gerrymandering lawsuit
The New Mexico Supreme Court has issued guidance to a lower court on how to handle a challenge to the state’s new congressional maps.
apnews.com
Hunter Biden team is working with a former GOP congressman and Jan. 6 committee aide | CNN Politics
Former GOP Rep. Denver Riggleman, who previously served as a senior technical adviser for the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack at the US Capitol, is working with the legal team advising President Joe Biden’s son.
www.cnn.comUS judge recommends settlement over management of the Rio Grande
A federal judge is recommending that the U.S. Supreme Court approve a settlement among three Western states over the management of one of North America's longest rivers.
apnews.com
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds calls special session to 'fight against the inhumanity of abortion'
Gov. Kim Reynolds suffered a defeat at the Iowa Supreme Court last month when the court deadlocked on a 6-week abortion ban, blocking the law.
www.usatoday.com
Biden admin approves massive wind farm amid rising whale death toll
The Biden administration approved an offshore wind project that will span 68,450 acres off the coast of New Jersey despite the increasing number of whale deaths in the area.
IAEA has seen no sign of explosives at Zaporizhzhia yet, more access needed
Experts from the U.N. nuclear watchdog based at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine have yet to observe any indications of mines or explosives at the plant, but they need more access to be sure, the agency said on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com
El Niño + climate change = heat records | CNN Politics
Climate change combined with this year’s El Niño set a new world record for worldwide heat on Tuesday – 62.92 degrees Fahrenheit or 17.18 degrees Celsius.
www.cnn.com
Playbook PM: The most interesting Q2 fundraising hauls so far
Plus: Mondaire Jones and Tony Vargas try again for Congress.
www.politico.com
Philly district attorney says politicians need to swear off 'absurd' Second Amendment interpretation
Philadelphia's Democratic district attorney, Larry Krasner, called on would-be lawmakers Wednesday to abandon their "absurd interpretation" of the Second Amendment days after a mass shooting that killed five people in his city.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Saudi Arabia says new oil cuts show teamwork with Russia is strong
Russia-Saudi oil cooperation is still going strong as part of the OPEC+ alliance, which will do "whatever necessary" to support the market, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told a conference on Wednesday.
www.reuters.comIndiana legislator convicted of drunken driving publicly acknowledges he used 'horrible' judgment
An Indiana legislator convicted of drunken driving in June is publicly acknowledging that he used “horrible” judgment. Republican state Rep.
apnews.com
Barriers to trans care lead some to embrace a do-it-yourself approach
Despite the health and legal risks to this approach, some experts predict it will become more common due to the current political environment.
www.nbcnews.com
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and wife announce separation
They told The New York Times they will still live in the same house for now — but want to date other people.
www.nbcnews.comVermont will pay $16.5M to settle lawsuits by foreign investors in fraudulent ski developments
The state of Vermont has agreed to pay $16.5 million to settle all pending and potential lawsuits against it from foreign investors in development projects at the Jay Peak resort.
apnews.com
Alex Soros' access to Biden's White House continues as he's now visited at least 20 times, records show
Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, has now visited President Biden's White House at least 20 times since the administration took power, visitor logs show.
The Frequent Flyers of Congress Consider New Flights for Washington Airport
WASHINGTON — Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, is pushing for changes to federal law that would allow more nonstop flights between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Salt Lake City. Those flights, he said, would increase tourism between Utah and the nation’s capital. They would also offer...
This futuristic concert venue in Las Vegas is a giant sphere with the world’s biggest LED screen | CNN
The MSG Sphere won’t open to the public for three more months, when U2 christens the Las Vegas venue with a series of concerts. But anticipation is growing. At 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it’s being billed as the world’s largest spherical structure.
www.cnn.com
Peaky Blinders team rips Ron DeSantis for unauthorized use of content in anti-LGBT ad
The backlash over an anti-LGBT ad circulated by Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R-FL) presidential campaign has reached a new level. The team behind Peaky Blinders came out to denounce the ad after the video used a clip of their show.
www.washingtonexaminer.comJetBlue is dumping its partnership with American Airlines to salvage its purchase of Spirit
JetBlue is picking Spirt Airlines over American. JetBlue said Wednesday that it won’t appeal a judge’s ruling against its partnership with American Airlines, effectively dropping the deal.
apnews.com
House Oversight panel seeks briefing from Secret Service on cocaine found in White House
The House Oversight Committee is in the process of requesting a briefing from the Secret Service on the cocaine that was found in the West Wing of the White House on Sunday night, a spokesperson for the committee confirmed.
www.washingtonexaminer.comIndiana abortions drop sharply ahead of state ban possibly taking effect, state reports show
The number of abortions being performed in Indiana has dropped steeply even before a court ruling that has a Republican-backed abortion ban set to potentially take effect in the coming weeks.
apnews.com
Choosing your opponent: Why Democrats are bashing the Supreme Court now
As the 2024 elections heat up, Democrats are looking to take on the Supreme Court to promote LGBTQ issues and student loans to push leftist policies.
Jan. 6 defendant who cased Obama’s neighborhood made week-long series of threats
New court papers from prosecutors paint a picture of Taylor Taranto as a man addled by conspiracy theories while having an arsenal of weapons prior to his arrest.
www.politico.com
Philadelphia shooting: Suspect charged with killing five
Five people - including a 15-year-old boy - were killed and two were wounded in the attack.
www.bbc.com
LA County sheriff calls video of deputy tackling woman 'disturbing,' opens inquiry
The Los Angeles County sheriff says video footage of a deputy violently throwing a woman to the ground while she filmed a man being handcuffed in a grocery store parking lot is “disturbing."
apnews.com
Pentagon to tighten controls after classified documents leak
The defence department wants a new office for insider threats and systems to detect electronic devices.
www.bbc.com
US new vehicle sales rise on strong demand, better supply
New vehicle sales in the United States for top global automakers rose in the second quarter on improving supply and strong demand, signaling that rising interest rates have not yet had a meaningful impact on purchases.
www.reuters.com
Mark Zuckerberg announces Threads has hit 2 million sign-ups
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that over 2 million users signed up for the new Threads app within two hours of its launch.
www.washingtonexaminer.comThe wave of mass shootings over the Fourth of July highlights the challenges police face
A rash of shootings as the U.S. celebrated the Fourth of July is spiking fears in communities across the U.S. and highlighting the challenges police face at preventing such violence as temperatures warm and festivities move outside.
apnews.com
Biden hosts Sweden’s prime minister in a show of support for NATO bid
Sweden ended its military neutrality and applied for NATO membership after Russia invaded Ukraine last year.
www.nbcnews.com
Trump's dominance of GOP field has America bracing for a toxic campaign | CNN Politics
As America celebrated its independence, while divided on the true nature of its values, it also braced for a toxic presidential campaign likely to deepen its political trauma and again push the election system to its limits.
www.cnn.comToby Keith's shows at his Oklahoma music venue mark return to stage after revealing cancer diagnosis
Country music star Toby Keith was back on stage over the Fourth of July weekend with his first shows since revealing last summer that he had been fighting stomach cancer.
apnews.com
Substance found in White House confirmed to be cocaine
Subsequent testing confirmed that a powdery substance discovered by the Secret Service at the White House on Sunday was cocaine, a law enforcement official said.
www.cbsnews.com
Russia bans tiny U.S.-based NGO for "sabotaging" vast gas pipeline
Russia accused a small U.S.-based charity on Wednesday of "sabotaging" the construction of a huge gas pipeline to China and banned it as an "undesirable organisation".
www.reuters.comAfter 2 fighting eagles got stuck together, Minnesota deputies separated them
Two scrappy eagles are free to resume their apparent long-running dispute after quick-thinking deputies helped separate the brawling pair that had become entangled with each other in a Minnesota lake.
apnews.com
The pandemic-era voting shift that is here to stay
The Election Assistance Commission report is the latest installment of the agency’s biennial analysis following a federal election.
www.politico.comSwing state Republicans bleed donors and cash over Trump's false election claims
Real estate mogul Ron Weiser has been one of the biggest donors to the Michigan Republican Party, giving $4.5 million in the recent midterm election cycle. "I question whether the state party has the necessary expertise to spend the money well," he said. The withdrawal of bankrollers like...
‘They can’t break our spirit’: Jenin residents after Israel siege
Destroyed homes, cars, streets and memorials mark Jenin refugee camp as Israel pulls out. But so does defiance.
Ukraine plane: Iran facing legal action over downing of Flight PS752
Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and the UK are seeking damages for the families of the 176 victims.
www.bbc.com
North Carolina governor vetoes trio of LGBTQ+ restrictions in ongoing fight with GOP supermajority
North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed a trio of bills aimed at LGBTQ+ youth that would restrict gender-affirming health care and sports participation for transgender minors and limit classroom instruction about gender identity and sexuality.
apnews.com
Sen. Cotton grills Secret Service on whether White House cocaine culprit will be arrested
Sen. Tom Cotton is calling on the Secret Service to be transparent with the American people, after cocaine was found in the White House.
Target bans Mark Levin book, scared of offending Democrats
Target, already suffering through poor sales linked to its all-in LGBT agenda during Pride Month, could suffer a second punch later this year for banning a new book from New York Times bestseller and media mogul Mark Levin because it might offend Democrats.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
Greta Thunberg charged with disobeying police order at climate protest
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been charged with disobeying a police order to leave a climate protest in the southern city of Malmo on June 19, according to daily Sydsvenskan.
www.reuters.com
IRS whistleblower asks media outlet to clarify he was not a source for Hunter Biden 'illegal leaks'
IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley is demanding that the Washington Post "publicly affirm" that he was not a source for "illegal leaks" on Hunter Biden.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
‘Shared status’ fuels closer Taiwan and Somaliland partnership
The two territories are stepping up cooperation as conflict and election delays cool Western optimism about Somaliland.
Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with ‘forever chemicals,’ government study finds | CNN
Almost half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” according to a new study. The number of people drinking contaminated water may be even higher than what the study found, however, because the researchers weren’t able to test for all of these...
www.cnn.com
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 498
As the war enters its 498th day, these are the main developments.
Maryland panel OKs $2.9M compensation for wrongfully convicted man who spent 32 years behind bars
A Maryland board has approved $2.9 million in compensation for a man who was wrongly imprisoned for 32 years for two killings he did not commit.
apnews.com
The debate over pausing at the Fed was intense, minutes show | CNN Business
Fed officials vigorously debated whether to hike rates again or hold them steady, according to minutes from the most recent meeting, released Wednesday.
www.cnn.com
Nxivm cult: US actor Allison Mack released early from prison
The television star pleaded guilty for her role in a sex-trafficking case related to the Nxivm group.
www.bbc.com
Philadelphia suspect left a will and was acting agitated days before shootings, prosecutors say
The man accused in the fatal shooting spree in Philadelphia that left five people dead and four others wounded left a will at his house, and according to roommates had acted agitated and wore a tactical vest around his house in the days before the shooting, prosecutors said Wednesday.
apnews.com
Lawyer who sought to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 loss retires after facing potential disbarment
Lin Wood, who filed challenges to overturn President Joe Biden's victory over former President Donald Trump in 2020, has retired.
www.usatoday.com
Stocks slide, US yields climb amid hawkish Fed, China tensions
Asia-Pacific stock markets fell on Thursday, extending a decline in global equities, after the U.S. Federal Reserve confirmed its hawkish stance, while an escalating trade battle between China and the United States also dampened sentiment.
www.reuters.comSNAP error rate prompts bipartisan fury
All four leaders of Congress’ Agriculture committees issued a rare joint statement condemning the SNAP error rate.
www.politico.com
Philadelphia mass shooting suspect told police he did it to clean up the neighborhood, sources say | CNN
The man accused of fatally shooting five people in Philadelphia on Monday night told police in sum and substance that he carried out the attack to clean up the neighborhood, two law enforcement sources told CNN.
www.cnn.com
Canada stops advertising with Facebook and Instagram in news row
It's the latest move over a new bill that will force tech giants to pay Canadian media for news content.
www.bbc.com
Elon Musk appears to support limiting right to vote to parents
Tech billionaire Elon Musk appeared to tweet in support of taking away the right to vote from people who do not have children over the weekend.
QAnon Obama stalker arrested near former president's home is an ongoing threat, feds say.
Prosecutors also say former President Donald Trump posted Obama's home address on Truth Social, leading armed suspect Taylor Taranto to his neighborhood
Man gets life sentence for raping 9-year-old Ohio girl who traveled to Indiana for legal abortion
A man has been sentenced to life in prison for raping a 9-year-old Ohio girl who later traveled out of state for an abortion. Gerson Fuentes pled guilty Wednesday.
apnews.com
San Diego opens 'safe sleeping site' for homeless
San Diego has created "safe" camping lots for the homeless in the city.
www.washingtonexaminer.com
GOP senator who sued over Big Tech censorship vows to enforce ‘chilling’ decision against Biden
Sen. Eric Schmitt told Fox News Digital that he intends to ensure Biden officials comply with U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty's injunction
Iowa's Republican governor calls a special legislative session to revive abortion restrictions
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has called a special legislative session so lawmakers can enact new abortion restrictions.
apnews.comInside Belarus’ summer camp for Prigozhin’s serial killers
www.politico.comBlinken says a multinational force is needed to help Haiti's National Police restore order
U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken says a multinational force is needed to help Haiti’s National Police as he echoed recent appeals made by United Nations officials who warn that the country’s insecurity is worsening.
apnews.com
How parents’ sex and birth control talks with teens have changed since the end of Roe v. Wade | CNN
Three families say the shifting legal landscape has brought a sense of urgency to conversations about birth control that might have been more distant considerations before.
www.cnn.com
Drone shows light up the sky on Fourth of July
Some cities are ditching traditional fireworks, citing fire threats and environmental concerns.
www.bbc.com
US gives go-ahead for Orsted's New Jersey offshore wind farm to start construction
The federal government has given the go-ahead for New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm to begin construction.
apnews.com
Threads: Instagram launches app to rival Twitter
The Meta chief is hoping Threads, his new Instagram-linked app, will beat Twitter on numbers.
www.bbc.com
Study says drinking water from nearly half of US faucets contains potentially harmful chemicals
A government study says nearly half of the tap water in the U.S. contains potentially harmful compounds known as “forever chemicals.” The U.S.
apnews.com3 questions for Yusef Salaam, the member of the exonerated 'Central Park 5' now elected to office in NYC
An exonerated member of the "Central Park Five," Yusef Salaam declared victory Wednesday in a Democratic primary race for a New York City Council seat in Harlem. The activist, 49, a father of 10, sees his story of triumph over adversity as the blueprint for his beloved community.
Man dies after detonating explosive device at court in Ukrainian capital
A man who detonated a explosive device at a court in the Ukrainian capital died on Wednesday after barricading himself inside part of the building, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said, citing "preliminary information."
www.reuters.com
CDC gives guidance for trans people 'chestfeeding' kids, accused of failing to consider possible health risks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official website was slammed by several doctors after providing advice for trans parents looking to "chest feed" their children.
Emergency room physician selected as West Virginia's 1st opioid settlement board member
An emergency room physician has been named the first board director of a nonprofit tasked with distributing much of the state’s over $1 billion in opioid settlement money.
apnews.com
Florida man beat cheating wife's lover with bat after catching them in bed: police
A Florida man is accused of bludgeoning his cheating wife's lover with an aluminum bat after catching them in bed together, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Risk of major disruption as UPS strike looms in US
"I'd like to strike just to teach them a lesson," says long-time UPS worker Antonio Rosario.
www.bbc.com
Germany's top court blocks a parliament vote on a contentious bill to replace heat sources in homes
Germany’s highest court has blocked government plans to hold a vote in parliament this week on a contentious plan to encourage home owners to replace fossil fuel heating systems with cleaner alternatives.
apnews.com
Bank of America increases dividend by 9% after Fed stress test
Bank of America (BofA) said on Wednesday it planned to increase its quarterly common stock dividend to 24 cents per share from 22 cents per share beginning in the third quarter of 2023.
www.reuters.com
This could be the peak of tick season – and tick-borne diseases are on the rise | CNN
An especially bad tick season in the United States is probably hitting its peak, and experts are stressing the importance of taking personal precautions to protect against rising cases of tick-borne disease.
www.cnn.comThe Conspirituality of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
"After rejecting scientific evidence on viruses and vaccines, what’s Kennedy’s actual plan?"
Oregon man attacked courthouse security officer before being shot, authorities say
Federal prosecutors in Oregon say a man is facing federal charges after attacking a courthouse security officer, who shot him in downtown Portland on Monday. The U.S.
apnews.com
Ohio's showdown over abortion rights intensifies as group files signatures for ballot measure | CNN Politics
Ohio is poised to become the next major abortion battleground after groups seeking to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution on Wednesday submitted hundreds of thousands of petition signatures to the secretary of state’s office.
www.cnn.com
China's rare earths dominance in focus after it limits germanium and gallium exports
China said on Monday it will impose export restrictions on gallium and germanium products used in computer chips and other components to protect national security interests.
www.reuters.com
Boy, 7, shot and killed during Florida jet ski dispute; grandfather wounded while shielding child
An argument over jet skies ended with a 7-year-old boy dead and his grandfather injured in Tampa, Florida.
www.cbsnews.comMental illness played no role in Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, prosecution expert testifies
A neurologist says the man who gunned down 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018 does not have a psychiatric or neurological disorder, and he was capable of forming the intent to kill.
apnews.comFormer Rep. Mondaire Jones launches comeback bid for House seat in New York
Jones will face a Democratic primary against Liz Whitmer Gereghty, an education advocate and the sister of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
www.politico.com
Chinese rush to buy Hong Kong insurance, dollars as confidence cracks, yuan weakens
Chinese investors are rushing offshore to make dollar deposits and buy Hong Kong insurance in a signal domestic confidence is languishing and that the ailing yuan faces more pressure.
www.reuters.comArkansas ends fiscal year with $1.1 billion surplus, state's second largest
Arkansas has ended the fiscal year with its second largest surplus in history. Finance officials on Wednesday have reported the state's surplus for the fiscal year was more than $1.1 billion.
apnews.com
Drugs approved a decade ago can cure hepatitis C, but most infected Americans still can’t get them, study shows | CNN
For a decade now, the world has had highly effective medications for hepatitis C infections. In the United States, they’ve mostly been sitting on the shelf, according to a new study.
www.cnn.com
Inside the House GOP’s plan to go after FBI and DOJ
Republicans are escalating a multi-pronged fight against their two biggest political boogeymen. It goes far beyond just trying to impeach Attorney General Merrick Garland.
US State Department says passport delays won't be cut to pre-pandemic levels until end of year | CNN Politics
The US State Department says it is not expecting to reduce passport processing times to pre-pandemic levels until the end of the year, news that is likely to frustrate travelers who have had their summer travel plans disrupted by having to factor in waiting months to get a new passport before...
www.cnn.comSanders, Cassidy want a bigger PAHPA
Divergent views over drug pricing policy remain sticking points in the Senate’s effort to revamp the pandemic preparedness law.
www.politico.comOhio's $86 billion state budget OK'd by governor, but with vetoes on tobacco regulation and vaccines
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has cleared Ohio's $86 billion state budget, signing into law $3 billion in tax cuts and universal school vouchers, among hundreds of others provisions, for the next two fiscal years.
apnews.com
How this father turned the tables on robocallers and scammers after incident with his son: 'sense of revenge'
Robocall scams steal tens of billions of dollars every year in the U.S. Frustrated by the constant calls, this man created an AI to waste scammers' time.
Tel Aviv police chief quits, citing government meddling against protesters
Tel Aviv's police commander said on Wednesday he was quitting the force, citing political intervention by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right cabinet whom he said wanted excessive force used against anti-government protesters.
www.reuters.comFire caused by fireworks kills one, injures four in East Texas
Officials say a man was killed and four other people were hurt after officials say a fireworks accident caused a large fire during preparations for an Independence Day event in East Texas.
apnews.com
South Korea to help Africa cut dependence on rice imports - minister
South Korea is set to sign an agreement next week with eight African nations to help boost rice production and cut their dependence on imports, Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun told Reuters, amid concerns over food security on the continent.
www.reuters.com
Being overweight not linked to dying early, study says, but questions remain | CNN
An analysis of over 500,000 Americans found no increase in the risk for early death for people officially defined as overweight, but risk went up as weight increased.
www.cnn.com
Singer Coco Lee dies by suicide at 48, her siblings say
Lee was the voice of Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s "Mulan" and sang the Mandarin version of the movie’s theme song, “Reflection.”
www.nbcnews.com
Coco Lee: Disney star and pop singer dies at 48
She enjoyed stardom in Asia and voiced the lead character in the Mandarin version of Disney's Mulan.
www.bbc.com
