Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a meeting with leaders from over 60 countries to discuss political terrorism linked to left-wing groups. He called for international cooperation to stop this type of violence, seen as a key issue for Republicans before upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio organized a conference on left-wing political terrorism.
More than 60 countries participated in the meeting.
The event was part of the Trump administration’s effort against political violence.
Rubio described a rise in violence from communist and Marxist groups.
This focus contrasts with studies showing fewer left-wing attacks compared to far-right violence in the U.S.
Participants were mostly officials from Europe and Latin America.
Rubio said left-wing terrorism is often overlooked in counterterrorism strategies.
The topic is important for Republicans ahead of midterm elections.
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A teleprompter operator for President Trump allegedly made $100,000 by betting on whether certain words or phrases would be said during Trump’s speeches. This activity took place on a prediction market called Kalshi, which allows people to bet on future events based on inside knowledge. Kalshi noticed unusual bets, froze the operator’s funds, and reported the case to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which is investigating.
Key Facts
Kalshi is a prediction market where people bet on events by buying contracts tied to future outcomes.
The teleprompter operator, Gabriel Perez, had access to President Trump’s speeches and sometimes changed his bets during the speeches.
Perez allegedly made $100,000 by betting on specific words and phrases being mentioned during Trump’s talks.
Kalshi discovered suspicious betting activity connected to a federal employee and froze his account.
The CFTC, the federal agency overseeing such markets, is investigating Perez for possible insider trading.
The Trump White House warned employees earlier to avoid using private information to place bets on these markets.
Similar cases of government insiders using secret information to profit on prediction markets have occurred before.
Kalshi is fighting state laws by seeking federal regulation from the CFTC for its markets.
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Top officials in President Donald Trump’s administration held a meeting with representatives from 66 countries to talk about the threat of left-wing violence. They focused on criticizing leftist groups and did not address right-wing violence, using strong language to describe leftist activists as dangerous to society.
Key Facts
The event was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and included top advisers like Stephen Miller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The meeting was called a “ministerial on the resurgence of political violence” but focused only on left-wing violence.
Officials used harsh language, calling leftists “enemies of civilization” and linking leftist groups to violence and terrorism.
They did not discuss right-wing violence, including the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
President Trump had labeled “antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization the year before.
Rubio suggested the US had mostly defeated terrorism related to the 2001 attacks and was now shifting to fight leftist violence.
The officials proposed working with other countries to confront leftist groups internationally.
The discussion referenced a 2023 presidential memorandum about national security and combating such threats.
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Some Republican members of Congress are worried that President Trump’s planned primetime speech, which will focus on elections and include a major announcement, might upset voters if it heavily revisits the 2020 election. The speech is scheduled for Thursday night at 9 p.m. EDT.
Key Facts
President Trump will give a national address on Thursday at 9 p.m. EDT.
The speech will focus on elections and include a significant announcement.
Some House and Senate Republicans are concerned about the speech’s content.
Their worry is that focusing too much on the 2020 election could hurt public opinion.
There have been rumors about what the “big announcement” might be.
The address is expected to attract wide attention because of its timing and topic.
Republican leaders are debating how to respond to or support the speech.
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Two men charged in a plan to attack the White House during a UFC event pleaded not guilty in court. They appeared before a federal judge in Ohio and denied the charges against them.
Key Facts
Two men, Tycen Proper (19) and Chandler Scaggs (21), are part of a group of eight indicted in connection to a plot targeting the White House.
The alleged plan involved an attack during a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event.
Both men entered not guilty pleas in federal court on Thursday.
The hearings took place in Ohio before Judge Edmund Sargus Jr.
The case is federal, meaning it is handled by the U.S. government courts.
The men come from Ohio and West Virginia.
Prosecutors accuse them of conspiracy to attack a government building.
The legal process will continue with further court proceedings.
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Liz Oyer, a former pardon attorney, spoke against Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, during his Senate hearing. She said Blanche fired her because she refused to restore gun rights to actor Mel Gibson, a friend of the president, and warned senators not to approve Blanche’s nomination.
Key Facts
Liz Oyer was a pardon attorney who was fired by Todd Blanche.
Oyer refused to recommend restoring firearm rights to Mel Gibson, who had a domestic violence conviction.
Mel Gibson is an ally and friend of President Donald Trump.
Todd Blanche said Oyer’s firing was not because of her recommendation but due to actions before President Biden’s term ended.
Oyer disagreed with Blanche and called his explanation false, citing documents as proof.
Oyer urged senators to reject Blanche’s nomination to protect the justice system’s integrity.
She accused Blanche of using the Department of Justice to serve President Trump’s personal interests.
Oyer said these actions harm the Department of Justice’s reputation and waste resources.
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The U.S. Department of Defense plans to annually test military members over 30 for low testosterone. Some doctors question the effectiveness and cost of the program, saying low testosterone levels often have other causes and hormone treatment does not necessarily improve performance.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced yearly testosterone screenings for service members over age 30.
Younger service members can choose to be tested.
Testosterone replacement therapy will be available if treatment is recommended.
Experts warn testosterone levels naturally vary and are affected by stress, sleep, and lifestyle.
Low testosterone does not directly improve strength, focus, or combat ability when treated.
Professional medical groups recommend against general testosterone screening.
Testing is complicated because hormone levels change during the day and require specific timing.
Low testosterone symptoms can be caused by other issues common in military life like poor sleep or stress.
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Mary Jo Campbell, the mother of Kris Jenner, has died at the age of 91. Kris Jenner shared the news on social media but did not provide the cause of death.
Key Facts
Mary Jo Campbell was the mother of Kris Jenner, the Kardashian-Jenner family matriarch.
She died at the age of 91.
Kris Jenner announced her mother’s passing on social media.
No cause of death has been given.
Mary Jo Campbell appeared on the family’s reality TV shows.
The Kardashian family first became famous with the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians in 2007.
Kris Jenner described her mother as a person who valued family and showed love and resilience.
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House Republican leaders plan to hold several important votes next week before the August recess. These include a budget reconciliation bill only supported by Republicans and a ban on stock trading for lawmakers.
Key Facts
The House will vote on a budget reconciliation bill created by Republicans.
This bill focuses on financial and budget matters.
There is a planned vote on banning stock trading for members of Congress.
These votes are scheduled for the last week before the House breaks for the August recess.
The agenda is set by House GOP leadership.
The goal is to complete key measures before lawmakers leave.
The stock trading ban aims to prevent conflicts of interest.
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Maine Democrats will hold a debate to choose a new nominee for the U.S. Senate race after their original candidate, Graham Platner, withdrew due to sexual assault allegations. Several candidates, including Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah, are competing to replace Platner and face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner, the original Democratic nominee for Maine Senate, withdrew in July after sexual assault allegations.
State law lets the Democratic Party select a new nominee through a nominating convention.
A debate is scheduled for July 21, 2026, with nine Democratic candidates invited.
Prominent candidates in the race are former Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah, former state CDC director.
The debate will be broadcast by News Center Maine and split into two parts with different candidates.
A recent poll shows Jackson leading with 40% support, Shah with 23%, and Bellows with 14%.
The nominee will compete against Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 midterm elections.
The new nominee will need to energize voters who were motivated by Platner but may now feel disappointed.
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The Trump administration has finalized a rule that limits how long international students can stay in the U.S. to four years unless they get special government approval. The rule also restricts when and how students can change their major or academic program, and it will take effect in September.
Key Facts
International students can no longer stay in the U.S. longer than four years without federal approval.
The rule sets limits on changing academic programs or majors for international students.
Current rules allowed students to stay as long as needed to finish their studies.
The Department of Homeland Security says the rule closes a loophole some students used to extend their stay.
Higher education leaders say the rule creates extra paperwork for schools and government.
International student enrollment is already falling, and this rule could cause more declines.
International students are not eligible for federal financial aid and often pay full tuition.
The Trump administration has also tightened visa application rules and imposed travel bans on some countries.
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The U.S. Department of Defense plans to start yearly testosterone tests for military personnel over 30 and offer voluntary tests for younger service members. This move aims to keep troops ready and strong, but experts say it also reflects a growing cultural focus on testosterone beyond medical needs.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced annual testosterone screening for service members over age 30.
Younger troops can choose to have voluntary testosterone testing.
The policy is part of efforts to maintain military readiness and combat strength.
Testosterone is now widely promoted online as a way to boost energy, muscle, and masculinity.
Doctors report more men seeking testosterone treatment due to social media influence.
Studies show many advertisements and social media posts link normal aging or stress to low testosterone, encouraging unnecessary treatment.
Experts warn that testosterone should be used medically, not as a shortcut for improved appearance or performance.
Marketing and online communities influence men's views on testosterone and masculinity.
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President Donald Trump will give a primetime speech from the White House on Thursday. He plans to talk mainly about voting machines and the integrity of elections.
Key Facts
President Trump is delivering a primetime address to the nation.
The speech will take place from the White House.
The focus will be on voting machines and election integrity.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the speech’s main topics.
This is Leavitt’s first press briefing after returning from maternity leave.
President Trump described the upcoming speech as a “very big speech.”
The event is scheduled for Thursday evening.
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Senator Thom Tillis criticized Russell Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, for the failure of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During a Senate hearing, Tillis asked Vought to name a successful project from DOGE but expressed frustration over the lack of results.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina and is a member of the Republican Party.
Russell Vought is the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
DOGE stands for the Department of Government Efficiency.
DOGE was closed due to not achieving its goals.
During a Senate committee hearing, Tillis questioned Vought about DOGE’s accomplishments.
Tillis expressed frustration about having to deal with the problems left by DOGE.
The hearing took place in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.
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Senator John Fetterman said he would leave the Democratic Party if it became “anti-Israel.” He spoke as many House Democrats tried to stop military aid to Israel amid conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman is a strong supporter of Israel within the Democratic Party.
He said he would leave the party if it became against Israel.
Over 100 House Democrats voted to try to stop $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel.
Some Democrats are concerned about Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Fetterman disagrees with many Republican policies, so he has no plans to switch parties.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the vote to halt aid to send a political message.
Earlier, majority Democratic senators voted against efforts to block military sales to Israel, which Fetterman also opposed.
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England will ban the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine levels to anyone under 16 starting in April. The government wants to protect children’s health by reducing problems related to too much caffeine, like sleep issues and trouble concentrating.
Key Facts
Energy drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre cannot be sold to under-16s in shops, cafes, vending machines, or online.
Popular brands affected include Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and Prime.
Lower-caffeine drinks like Diet Coke, tea, and coffee are not included in the ban.
The ban aims to reduce child obesity and problems like anxiety, poor sleep, and difficulty focusing at school.
Local authorities will enforce the ban, with fines up to £2,500 for businesses that break the rules.
About 100,000 children in England drink energy drinks daily, which may affect their health and school performance.
Experts warn children are more sensitive to caffeine because their bodies and brains are still growing.
The ban was backed by public consultation and will use powers from the Food Safety Act 1990 once approved.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump will give a primetime speech about concerns over election security. She indicated that the speech will suggest changes might be needed to ensure election integrity.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to deliver a speech on Thursday night.
The speech will focus on election security issues.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed the speech but gave few details.
Leavitt emphasized that Americans from all political parties should agree the country is great.
The speech may propose “adjustments” related to how elections are conducted.
There is an implication that current elections might not be fully secure.
The White House is preparing the public for possible changes in election processes.
The timing suggests the speech aims to influence public opinion ahead of upcoming elections.
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House Republican leaders stopped a vote on a large military benefits bill because it caused disagreements among veterans’ organizations. The bill aimed to increase payments to some veterans by reducing future disability claims but faced obstacles in Congress.
Key Facts
The bill offered more compensation to veterans.
To pay for this, it proposed cutting some future disability claims.
Veterans’ groups were divided about the bill.
House Republican leaders canceled the vote on the bill.
A Democratic-led procedural vote blocked sending the bill back to committee.
The controversy delayed the bill’s progress in the House of Representatives.
The bill’s goal was to change military benefits for veterans.
The disagreement shows challenges in passing veterans’ legislation.
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England will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under 16 starting from April next year. The ban aims to protect children’s health by limiting their access to drinks that can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and affect concentration.
Key Facts
The ban applies to drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, excluding tea and coffee.
About 100,000 children in England currently drink these energy drinks daily.
The drinks are popular among children in poorer areas and are promoted by online influencers.
Selling energy drinks to under-16s will be banned in stores, vending machines, and online.
Retailers breaking the law can be fined up to £2,500.
The government expects the ban to help improve children’s health and reduce childhood obesity.
Health experts link energy drinks to anxiety, poor sleep, and lower school performance.
Doctors warn that heavy energy drink use can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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A White House teleprompter operator named Gabriel Perez is being investigated for allegedly using secret information from President Donald Trump’s speeches to place bets and make nearly $100,000. The betting platform Kalshi spotted unusual activity, froze Perez’s account, and reported the case to government regulators.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez worked as a White House teleprompter operator since 2016.
He is accused of betting on the specific words President Trump would say in public speeches.
Bets were placed on Kalshi, a platform where people predict real-world events.
Kalshi noticed unusual betting on words mentioned by political leaders and reported this to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Perez’s account was frozen with over $90,000 in winnings before he could withdraw money.
The White House said Perez is now on unpaid leave and will no longer work there.
Perez is cooperating with the investigation, and no criminal case has been opened so far.
The CFTC did not confirm or deny the investigation.
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