Vance Boelter, who admitted to shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to six federal charges and is expected to receive two life sentences plus 40 years in prison. State charges and a civil lawsuit against him are also ongoing.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter admitted to shooting former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and wounding Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
The attack targeted the Hoffmans’ daughter as well and was politically motivated.
Boelter pleaded guilty to six federal charges in June 2025.
He faces a sentencing hearing set for Thursday, where he may receive two life sentences plus 40 years.
The U.S. Department of Justice decided not to seek the death penalty.
Minnesota prosecutors plan to file state charges including murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty, and impersonation of an officer.
The Hoffman family has filed a civil lawsuit against Boelter for assault and other claims.
The shootings led to a 43-hour manhunt and several legislative tributes to Melissa Hortman, including memorials and renamed public programs.
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Texas Hill Country faced major flooding in July 2026, testing new warning systems put in place after deadly floods in 2025. While two people died and hundreds were rescued, many people received timely alerts and siren warnings, showing improvements in emergency response.
Key Facts
The 2025 Texas Hill Country floods killed 136 people, including campers at Camp Mystic.
Investigations found that warning systems were inadequate during the 2025 disaster.
Texas made changes including better flood-warning systems, stricter safety rules for youth camps, and more emergency preparedness.
New sirens were installed in flood-prone areas like Kerr County, and emergency alert programs like CodeRED were expanded.
In July 2026, heavy rains caused flooding again in the same region, prompting emergency declarations near Kerrville, Hunt, and Uvalde.
At least two people died and hundreds were rescued during the 2026 floods.
Residents reported receiving alerts on their phones and hearing sirens before flooding, unlike the previous disaster.
State lawmakers provided funding to help counties install more warning sirens in risky locations.
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Jes Staley, former CEO of Barclays, will be questioned in a private US congressional hearing about his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Staley resigned from Barclays after UK regulators found he had a closer relationship with Epstein than he admitted, and he was banned from working in the UK financial sector.
Key Facts
Jes Staley worked over 30 years at JPMorgan Chase before joining Barclays as CEO in 2015.
He has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with child sex trafficking and died in prison in 2019.
UK regulators investigated Staley and found his relationship with Epstein went beyond professional.
Staley resigned as Barclays CEO in 2021 after the investigation and was banned from financial jobs in the UK.
Barclays said it was misled by Staley's information during their internal review.
In court, Staley admitted to having consensual sex with someone linked to Epstein.
JPMorgan sued Staley in 2023, claiming he should cover penalties related to Epstein lawsuits; they later settled confidentially.
US Department of Justice documents revealed claims of serious allegations against Staley, but no charges were filed.
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Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, defeating the candidate supported by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). He will face Republican Jay Feely, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, in a closely watched race that could affect which party controls the House after the 2026 elections.
Key Facts
Amish Shah, an emergency physician and former state lawmaker, won the Democratic primary with 39.5% of the vote.
Marlene Galán-Woods, backed by the DCCC, received 34.3% of the vote.
Republican Jay Feely won his party’s primary with 49.8%, beating two other Republicans.
The district is open because Republican David Schweikert is running for governor instead.
Prediction markets give Shah about a 66-75% chance of winning the general election.
Public polls show a very close race, with some showing Feely tied with or ahead of a generic Democrat.
A recent poll showed Feely’s favorability improved after voters learned more about his background in football and broadcasting.
This race is one of several key contests that will help decide which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizing over $1 trillion for military spending. A key part of the bill, Section 219, increases military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel by creating a Pentagon coordinator to speed up joint research and development of new technologies and coordinate joint training.
Key Facts
The NDAA passed the House by a narrow vote of 216 to 212.
The bill sets U.S. defense funding and policies for fiscal year 2027, with more than $1 trillion authorized.
Section 219 focuses on expanding U.S.-Israel collaboration in military technology and defense.
A Pentagon official will oversee development of technologies with Israel and manage their military use.
Areas of cooperation include drone defense, air defense, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and biotechnology.
The NDAA includes plans for joint U.S.-Israeli military training exercises and exchanging information on shared technologies.
Some Democrats expressed concerns that the bill could risk U.S. sovereignty by closely integrating with Israel’s military.
Lobby group AIPAC supports the bill, saying it will help both nations stay ahead of new global threats with cutting-edge technology.
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Senator Rand Paul said the United States is in a worse position now than before President Trump started the military conflict with Iran in late February. Senator Paul has consistently voted to end U.S. troop involvement in the Iran conflict.
Key Facts
Senator Rand Paul is from Kentucky and is a Republican.
He has voted multiple times to withdraw U.S. troops from the Iran conflict.
President Trump began a military action involving Iran in late February.
Senator Paul says the conflict with Iran has not been successful.
He told reporters that the U.S. is worse off than before the war started.
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R James Woolsey, who served as CIA director from 1993 to 1995 under President Bill Clinton, has died at age 84 from a stroke. He was a national security expert known for his work on arms control and his leadership during a difficult time at the CIA following the spy case of Aldrich Ames.
Key Facts
Woolsey was the CIA director from early 1993 until early 1995.
He died at his home in Washington at age 84 due to a stroke.
His health had declined in recent years, partly because of "Havana syndrome," a condition reported by some US government personnel with symptoms like headaches and dizziness.
Woolsey faced criticism for the CIA’s handling of Aldrich Ames, a spy who sold secrets to the Soviet Union and Russia.
He warned against overly harsh security measures that could harm CIA morale.
Before leading the CIA, Woolsey held roles in the Navy Department and advised presidents on arms control.
He helped negotiate the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe treaty signed by President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990.
Woolsey was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and studied at Stanford and Yale as a Rhodes scholar.
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Justice Brett Kavanaugh has played a key role in supporting President Donald Trump’s policies on the Supreme Court, including immigration enforcement and tariffs. Critics argue that Kavanaugh’s opinions have enabled controversial immigration stops that have led to violence and legal concerns about racial profiling.
Key Facts
Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have voted most consistently to support President Trump, at about 89% and 88% respectively.
Brett Kavanaugh supports Trump’s agenda at a slightly lower rate, around 76%, often using practical-sounding arguments.
In a 2025 case, Kavanaugh allowed ICE to stop people based on race, language, and job type, calling it “common sense.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor strongly disagreed, calling it racial profiling.
Legal experts say Kavanaugh’s reasoning was not backed by evidence and contained false claims.
Since this decision, over 170 US citizens have been detained and there have been multiple deaths linked to these immigration stops.
Kavanaugh later clarified with a footnote that stops should not be based on race or ethnicity, but enforcement actions continued.
Kavanaugh also supported Trump’s tariffs in a 2026 court case, showing his broader support of Trump’s policies.
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The U.S. Navy has decided to stop sharing detailed information about sailors’ service history with the press. This change aims to reduce security risks and harassment but limits background details that were freely available for many years.
Key Facts
The Navy will no longer release details about any sailor’s service history, such as units served in or awards earned.
Information confirming someone is a sailor will only be shared if the request is of "high public interest."
The policy was widened after initially limiting information about commanding officers only.
Officials say these changes respond to increased security threats and concerns about harassment.
The Navy still considers some exceptions for public figures or special cases but defines these terms narrowly.
The policy makes it harder for journalists to report on military personnel involved in news events.
The move comes amid increased military restrictions on press access driven by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Congress is also considering laws to allow the military to withhold certain unclassified records from the public.
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A top Republican lawmaker, Rep. Jim Jordan, accused special counsel Jack Smith of lying to Congress about his investigation into President Donald Trump. Jordan referred Smith to the Justice Department for possible prosecution, claiming Smith falsely said he did not obtain the content of lawmakers’ text messages. Smith’s lawyers deny this, saying his testimony was truthful and specific to toll records, not text message contents.
Key Facts
Rep. Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, accused special counsel Jack Smith of lying during testimony.
The accusation centers on whether Smith obtained content from lawmakers’ phone or text records in the Trump investigation.
Smith said he did not get content from toll records or text messages during questioning.
Newly released records show Smith received contents of 44 lawmakers’ text messages via a separate subpoena.
Jordan says Smith’s answers were misleading because they gave the impression he did not access message content.
Smith’s lawyers say his answers were truthful, referring only to toll records, which do not include message content.
The referral to the Justice Department does not require prosecutors to take action.
The Justice Department under President Trump has shown willingness to investigate opponents of Trump.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a video expressing his wish to arrest Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal, based on an International Criminal Court warrant. However, he admitted he lacks the legal power and city authority to do this and asked the federal government for help.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
He refers to an expected 2024 warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mamdani admitted he does not have the legal jurisdiction to arrest Netanyahu.
The video highlights Mamdani’s frustration but acknowledges his political limitations.
Mamdani’s views align with a segment of the American left critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The conflict referenced involved Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s military response.
Mamdani labels Netanyahu a war criminal and accuses Israel of genocide, despite no U.N. genocide declaration.
President Donald Trump publicly stated that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the U.S.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating has stayed near a record low for three months, with 39 percent of voters approving his job as president. The latest Fox News poll also shows that many voters disapprove of his handling of key issues like the economy, inflation, and immigration, while Democrats lead in support ahead of the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating is 39 percent, unchanged for three months.
His approval on the economy is low, with only 33 percent approving and 67 percent disapproving.
Inflation ratings are even lower, with 27 percent approval and 73 percent disapproval.
Immigration approval is 42 percent, down from previous years, with 57 percent disapproval.
On Iran policy, 34 percent approve of Trump’s handling and 66 percent disapprove.
Democrats lead Republicans 53 percent to 46 percent in voting preference for the House if elections were held now.
Voter motivation is higher among Democrats (68%) than Republicans (57%). Among Republicans, MAGA supporters are more motivated (66%) than non-MAGA Republicans (41%).
Many voters want big changes in government and believe the system favors the wealthy.
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Amish Shah won the Democratic primary for Arizona’s 1st congressional district, defeating the candidate backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Shah will face Republican Jay Feely, who was endorsed by President Trump, in the general election this fall.
Key Facts
Amish Shah is an emergency doctor and won the Arizona Democratic primary for the 1st congressional district.
The DCCC supported Marlene Galán-Woods, a former Republican who switched parties, but she lost to Shah.
Shah will face Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker and Trump-endorsed candidate, in the November election.
The 1st district covers areas like north-east Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley, and it is important for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The seat is open because current Republican David Schweikert ran unsuccessfully for governor.
Both Shah and Galán-Woods are moderate Democrats, and the race was not seen as a fight between progressives and centrists.
The DCCC’s choice to back Galán-Woods surprised local Democrats since Shah and she had similar political views.
Republicans are attacking Shah as a socialist in their campaign ads, while Shah calls himself a political outsider focused on results.
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Many Republican voters are increasingly concerned about the influence of money in politics. This issue, once thought to be mostly important to Democrats, is now a major worry for people in the Republican party.
Key Facts
Money in politics means the role of donations and financial influence in political decisions.
Republican voters now see this as a key problem.
This concern was previously seen more among Democrats and liberals.
The shift shows a change in priorities within the Republican base.
Fighting the influence of money in politics could affect future elections and laws.
Both sides of politics are paying attention to this issue now.
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The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a report called “Science: A New Golden Age” that highlights problems in how the U.S. government supports science and suggests major changes. The report praises past achievements and aims to simplify research funding, but it does not address many current policies by the Trump administration that critics say hurt scientific progress.
Key Facts
The OSTP report is titled “Science: A New Golden Age” and was released under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The report compares itself to "Science, the Endless Frontier," a key post-WWII science policy document.
It argues that the U.S. science funding system has structural problems needing big changes.
The report promises to reduce the time researchers spend on grant paperwork by simplifying rules.
It does not specify which regulations should change, leaving its plan vague.
The Trump administration has proposed budget cuts and delayed funding for science, which the report doesn’t fully address.
The report praises the Human Genome Project but overlooks that it was an international effort.
It supports open data sharing but also complains about other countries benefiting from U.S. research.
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Heavy rain caused flash floods across West Virginia, flooding homes and businesses and washing out bridges. The governor declared a state of emergency, deployed the National Guard, and reported multiple water rescues while search efforts continue for missing residents.
Key Facts
Torrential rains led to flash flooding in West Virginia, especially in the northern part of the state.
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties.
Hundreds of National Guard members were sent to the hardest-hit areas.
The state Division of Natural Resources assisted in 85 water rescues.
Nineteen helicopters from the National Guard and state police were used for rescues or on standby.
Three shelters opened, housing over 100 people displaced by flooding.
Up to 7 inches of rain fell, with some areas receiving 4.5 inches in just 37 minutes.
Officials are concerned about possible fatalities, though exact numbers are not yet confirmed.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran will keep facing consequences because it did not follow agreements. He described President Donald Trump’s policy toward Iran as "a head for an eye," meaning a strong and direct response to Iran’s actions.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the US Secretary of State.
He said Iran is not sticking to agreements made with the US.
Because of that, Iran will continue to face consequences from the US.
Rubio described President Trump’s approach as "a head for an eye."
This phrase means responding to actions with a similar or stronger reaction.
The statement was made during a talk with reporters.
The focus is on US policy toward Iran’s behavior.
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Bronx Lacrosse is a nonprofit organization started in 2018 that uses lacrosse to help middle and high school students in the South Bronx stay motivated in school and life. The program combines sports with academic support, mentorship, and life skills coaching to help kids improve attendance, grades, and confidence.
Key Facts
Bronx Lacrosse was founded by Dan Leventhal, a former college lacrosse player and Teach for America member.
The program is free, runs year-round, and serves middle and high school students in the South Bronx.
Students must attend class regularly and keep good grades to join the lacrosse activities.
The staff includes college lacrosse players and coaches who work with students continuously, not just in sports season.
In addition to lacrosse, the program offers tutoring, mentorship, emotional skill development, and help with high school and college applications.
Since the pandemic, the program has focused heavily on reducing absenteeism, even helping by personally ensuring students get to school.
The program started with boys but expanded to include girls’ lacrosse two years later.
Participants gain important skills like leadership, teamwork, accountability, and build confidence that helps them beyond sports.
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The House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a narrow vote of 216-212. The bill includes a large increase in military spending and contains a proposal supported by President Donald Trump to restrict voting methods. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Key Facts
The NDAA passed in the House with most Democrats opposing and a few Republicans breaking ranks to vote against it.
The bill authorizes $1.15 trillion for defense, a nearly 30% increase from last year.
Some Democrats criticize the bill for funding a war with Iran and increasing military spending while many Americans face financial difficulties.
The bill includes the Save America Act, a Trump-backed plan to ban mail-in ballots and add voter ID rules.
This voting restriction measure caused controversy and opposition from Democrats.
Certain Republicans opposed the bill due to Section 219, which involves US-Israel defense technology cooperation.
The Senate will now consider the bill, but there is ongoing debate about the war, spending, and voting laws included.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated $37.5 billion has already been spent related to the conflict with Iran.
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A federal judge in New Jersey ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release a Colombian man detained despite having permission to leave the U.S. voluntarily by a set deadline. The judge found ICE violated his legal rights by stopping him from leaving, then using his failure to depart on time as a reason to keep him detained.
Key Facts
Marlon Andres Torres Gomez was allowed by a judge to leave the U.S. voluntarily by June 11.
Torres Gomez tried to coordinate his departure with ICE and bought a flight ticket for June 10.
ICE kept Torres Gomez detained and did not let him board his flight.
After June 11, ICE claimed Torres Gomez was subject to mandatory detention for not leaving on time.
The judge ruled this detention violated Torres Gomez’s constitutional due process rights.
The court rejected ICE’s arguments that legal injunctions or extensions justified the detention.
This case challenges the Trump administration’s enforcement of voluntary departure orders.
The ruling adds to several recent court decisions criticizing ICE’s treatment of detainees.
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