politics112.075 min read
Spencer Pratt Falls Short in LA Mayoral Primary, Signs of Quiet Exit
51 minutes ago•Source: The Daily Beast
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David Hockney’s luminous pool paintings leave a lasting legacy at 88
British artist David Hockney, famed for his vibrant poolside paintings and transformative impact on contemporary art, has died at age 88. His six-decade career spanned bold color, experimental perspectives, and landmark works that helped reshape modern British art; tributes from galleries, peers, and fans underscore his enduring influence.
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Pentagon lockdown ends as hazmat scare deemed a false alarm
The Independent•1 hour ago
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Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies after years in coma, clouding royal succession
Yahoo News Canada•1 hour ago
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Supreme Court blocks Alabama’s nitrogen-gas execution, delaying ninth planned method
The Supreme Court refused to lift an injunction blocking Alabama from executing Jeffery Lee by nitrogen gas, effectively delaying what would have been the nation’s ninth nitrogen-hypoxia execution. In a 6-3 decision issued without a stated rationale, three conservative justices would have allowed the execution to proceed. Alabama had planned to carry out the sentence after a jury originally voted for life; the case underscores ongoing disputes over whether nitrogen hypoxia constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.
Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha passes at 47, leaving a legacy in law and diplomacy
Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha, a royal daughter, lawyer, diplomat and UN goodwill ambassador, dies at 47. Educated at Thammasat and Cornell (master’s in 2002, PhD in 2005 on the rights of the accused), she championed criminal-justice reform and women’s rights, served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria (2012–2014), and helped advance the Bangkok Rules on female prisoners; seen as a potential regent for a future monarch, her death is a significant loss to Thailand and international public service.
Trump signals possible federal takeover of D.C. if Lewis George wins mayoral race
President Donald Trump publicly opposed Janeese Lewis George’s bid in D.C.’s mayoral race, suggesting the federal government could take back control of Washington if she wins the Democratic primary—a move that would require Congressional action under Home Rule. Lewis George and her supporters condemned the threat as an attack on democracy, while polls show her leading and residents wary of federal intervention into local governance.
Seattle Fire Tackles Large Two-Alarm Warehouse Blaze in Ballard
Seattle fire crews are battling a large two-alarm warehouse blaze in Ballard, in the Fremont area near NW 42nd Street; responders are on scene, and there have been no reported injuries as of now.
Oregon Drops Out of DC's Great American State Fair Ahead of July Fourth Celebrations
KATU reports that Oregon has pulled out of the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.—a Trump administration event tied to the United States' semiquincentennial and Fourth of July celebrations.
Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies after years in a coma, palace says
Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died at 47 after nearly four years in a coma following a heart condition. The royal palace said her health deteriorated due to complications including an intra‑abdominal infection, colitis and other issues. A lawyer and former diplomat, she had served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria, Slovenia and Slovakia and was known for public work on prisoners’ rights. The palace will hold royal funeral rites and a national mourning period will be observed; this is a developing story.
Supreme Court blocks Alabama's nitrogen hypoxia execution bid
The U.S. Supreme Court denied Alabama's emergency request to execute Jeffery Lee by nitrogen hypoxia after two lower courts blocked the method; the unsigned order provided no explanation, though Justices Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch dissented. Alabama has used nitrogen gas in several executions since 2024, but a federal judge recently banned the method due to evidence of distress, and Lee, 49, who was to be executed at 6 pm local time, had his scheduled execution halted.
HUD halts LA homelessness agency funding amid mismanagement probe
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority from about $69 million in federal funding (8% of its budget) pending an inspector general investigation into chronic financial mismanagement and weak conflict‑of‑interest safeguards; HUD warned funding could be restored or permanently barred, LAHSA says the move could push thousands of formerly homeless people back onto the streets, and local officials are weighing accountability measures and options to keep federal money flowing.
Trump says Iran deal near signing with 60-day sanctions relief
The article reports that the U.S. and Iran are close to signing a memorandum of understanding that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, grant temporary sanctions relief for 60 days in exchange for Iran’s compliance with a nuclear framework, and extend a regional ceasefire while longer talks continue; a second, more detailed agreement would spell out longer-term steps. Tehran’s leadership has not fully signed off, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan aiming for a signing in Geneva, and questions remain about how frozen funds will be released and humanitarian access. Four U.S. C-17s were moved to Europe in preparation for a possible signing event.
Trump seeks anti-voting riders in defense bill, citing SAVE America Act
Trump claimed the Pentagon wants congressional Republicans to add anti-voting provisions from the SAVE America Act to a multibillion-dollar defense bill, a move not confirmed by the DOD and likely to face Senate resistance. The SAVE America Act would impose strict voting restrictions—such as proof of citizenship to register and photo ID to vote and limits on mail voting—and could disenfranchise millions. Past attempts to attach the act to reconciliation bills have stalled, with lawmakers and the parliamentarian flagging that it is policy, not budgetary, in nature. Trump has repeatedly floated using the military in elections, and his latest demand comes as his broader strategy to push the act through Congress persists.