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White House: Americans Pledge $125M to Trump Accounts in Five Days
politics2 hours ago

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
politics2 hours ago

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
politics2 hours ago

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.

Fresh setback at Lincoln Memorial pool as Trump renovation overruns
politics4 hours ago

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
politics4 hours ago

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
politics5 hours ago

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.

Swift’s MSG Wedding Permit Cost Exceeds $160K, NYC Says
politics6 hours ago

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?
politics7 hours ago

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.