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UK rocked as former MP Widdecombe found dead amid murder probe
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Subpoenas widen clash over Air Force One security reporting
The Trump administration subpoenaed several New York Times reporters to testify before a Manhattan grand jury over their reporting on security concerns surrounding the Qatar-gifted new Air Force One, signaling a tougher stance on the press and following similar subpoenas at other outlets; the Times named reporters Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt, while White House and DOJ offered no comment.
4.445 min•41 minutes ago
Health mystery shadows McConnell as Senate returns to critical funding debates
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Democratic Socialists Face GOP ‘Red Scare’ While Expanding Local Wins
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White House: Americans Pledge $125M to Trump Accounts in Five Days
The White House says Americans have invested about $125 million in Trump Accounts in the first five days since their July 4 launch. Trump Accounts are investment accounts for children born 2025–2028, with the U.S. Treasury pledging to deposit $1,000 per child. Donors include SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell (and her husband), Dell CEO Michael Dell and his wife, Ray Dalio and his wife, Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner, and Nicki Minaj; companies like Goldman Sachs, Micron, and Bank of America have also announced contributions. The push has attracted attention as a major early showing of private funding for the program.
Texas GOP silent on independent probes after Houston ICE shooting
Three days after a Houston ICE shooting, Texas Republican leaders largely stayed silent on calls for an independent investigation, even as Democrats pressed DHS and ICE for evidence; witnesses dispute ICE’s claim that the driver weaponized his van to ram officers, noting no front/behind officers and saying Salgado Araujo was not the target. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said ICE told her Salgado Araujo wasn’t the operation’s target, fueling demands for outside scrutiny, while Sen. Ted Cruz publicly backed the federal probe and Gov. Abbott had previously urged recalibrating ICE operations. Some Republicans did not respond to requests for comment as the incident drew renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement policy.
Trump’s 250-Foot Arch Draws Nazi Echoes as DC Panel Approves Vanity Project
The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-1 to approve preliminary plans for a 250-foot gilded arch proposed by Donald Trump near Memorial Circle, prompting hours of public objections over its height and alleged Nazi-era inspiration. Critics warned the monument would dwarf nearby landmarks and obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery, while supporters say it commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. A broader dispute centers on whether federal buildings must follow the Height of Buildings Act, with Interior Department memos arguing federal immunity from local zoning. A final vote could come at the commission’s September meeting, as timelines suggest a two- to three-year build with a 2028 deadline.
Texas Democrat vows probe into SpaceX subsidies if elected AG
Nathan Johnson, the Democratic nominee for Texas attorney general, says he will investigate whether SpaceX is unfairly receiving state grant money, turning the company’s funding into a campaign issue ahead of the midterms.
Fresh setback at Lincoln Memorial pool as Trump renovation overruns
Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as Trump’s renovation pushes past the July 4 deadline, with algae growth and peeling coating prompting further repairs after initial work. Trump blames vandals, but critics say the repair job was flawed. Interior Secretary Burgum says the water will be drained to clean debris from Independence Day celebrations and fix damages, with no new bids planned for the next phase. Several people have been charged for removing paint, and lawmakers are probing the project’s funding and contracts.
DOJ Threatens Utah Lt. Gov. With Criminal Penalties in Voter Data Fight
The Trump-era Justice Department sent letters to Utah and other states warning chief election officials they could face criminal penalties if noncitizens vote, as it seeks complete, unredacted voter lists. Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson calls the move bizarre and unlawful, while a state audit found 99.72% of 2,069,640 voter records are U.S. citizens. Federal lawsuits seeking broad voter data have faced repeated court defeats, and Utah’s case remains unresolved with no hearing yet scheduled.
Burnham Signals Potential Labour Pivot on Gaza Policy
Andy Burnham apologizes for Labour’s Gaza stance and says the party didn’t get it right, pledging to press Israel and keep a two‑state solution alive. With a leadership question looming, observers see the remarks as an attempt to placate voters and set the stage for a possible policy shift if he becomes prime minister, though analysts warn any real change depends on concrete policy actions like ceasefire, arms controls, and accountability for Israel.
Eric Trump hints older Air Force One could anchor presidential library, clouding Qatar jet's fate
Eric Trump told the Palm Beach Post that the older Air Force One aircraft may be the base of his father’s presidential library, raising questions about what will happen to the Qatar-donated jet and highlighting potential legal and political hurdles as Boeing builds two newer planes slated for 2028.
Swift’s MSG Wedding Permit Cost Exceeds $160K, NYC Says
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Taylor Swift paid over $160,000 to obtain a permit to close streets around Madison Square Garden for her wedding to Travis Kelce, including costs for police overtime; no official total wedding price has been released, though a planner has estimated $20–$25 million. The couple also donated about $26 million to 20 charities ahead of the event, which drew criticism over timing and taxpayer costs, as several critics urged reimbursement for overtime.
Trump’s NATO Moment: A Possible Shift in Ukraine Support or Just Posturing?
At the NATO summit, Trump signaled Ukraine could manufacture Patriot air-defense systems, potentially strengthening Kyiv’s ability to counter Russia and press Putin. Yet Patriots require licenses and Trump’s history of mixed messages on Ukraine leaves skepticism about how quickly or fully he’ll deliver, even as Ukraine’s drones and long‑range strikes, plus Western aid, keep pressure on Moscow.