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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
The Democratic primary for mayor in Washington, D.C., remains undecided with Janeese Lewis George leading. This is the first time D.C. used ranked-choice voting, where voters rank candidates and the lowest are eliminated until one gets over 50%. Both main candidates want to maintain D.C.'s local control despite efforts by President Trump to increase federal influence.
Key Facts
Janeese Lewis George leads the Democratic primary with 64% of votes counted, but no winner declared yet.
Kenyan McDuffie is the other leading candidate, urging patience during vote counting.
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank candidates, and candidates are eliminated until someone wins over 50%.
D.C. mails ballots automatically to all registered voters, so many vote by mail.
The Democratic primary is the key race because D.C. is heavily Democratic.
Both candidates want to keep D.C.'s home rule, limiting federal control over local decisions.
President Trump has increased federal presence in D.C., including using federal law enforcement and National Guard.
Trump said he would not like Lewis George as mayor and suggested possibly taking over D.C. governance federally.
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Three different aircraft crashed recently in the U.S., killing 21 people in Missouri, California, and Texas. Federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are looking into the causes of these accidents.
Key Facts
A Cessna Citation Latitude business jet crashed near Laredo, Texas, killing one person and injuring others.
The Texas jet was traveling from Mexico to Austin and crashed on a highway close to Laredo International Airport.
A B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people on board during a test mission.
The B-52 crash involved military personnel and Boeing employees and was related to a radar modernization program.
A small plane with skydivers crashed in Butler, Missouri, killing 12 people.
The causes of all three crashes are still under investigation by the NTSB.
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes at the Texas crash, with people trying to rescue those trapped inside the burning jet.
The B-52 is a long-serving bomber used by the U.S. military since 1955 and is being updated to stay operational through 2050.
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Senator Tom Cotton said the confirmation hearing for President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, is still planned for Wednesday, despite President Trump's statement that the hearing was canceled. The situation is unclear as President Trump linked the nomination to another approval and suggested an acting director will stay in place for now.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence.
The Senate confirmation hearing for Clayton is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the hearing would continue unless the president cancels it or withdraws the nomination.
President Trump tweeted early Wednesday that the hearing was canceled and would wait until James McDonald, his pick for U.S. attorney, was approved.
Bill Pulte is currently serving as the acting director of national intelligence and is a close ally of the president.
The White House referred questions about the hearing to President Trump's social media posts.
The nomination is seen as an attempt to reduce tensions between the White House and Republican senators.
President Trump connected the confirmation process to other political decisions, including his voting bill.
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Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana said he is not ruling out running for president after his current Senate term ends in 2029. For now, he plans to run again for the Senate but is open to other possibilities.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy represents Louisiana.
He is currently serving his second term in the U.S. Senate.
His current term will end in January 2029.
Kennedy plans to run for the Senate again in the next election.
He has not ruled out the possibility of running for president.
Kennedy made these remarks during an interview on Tuesday.
He mentioned many people might run for president, implying competition.
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President Donald Trump has used the Defense Production Act to increase the production of important munitions and improve supply chains. This move aims to strengthen the U.S. military's ability to get necessary weapons and equipment.
Key Facts
President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA).
The DPA helps speed up production and supply of military materials.
The focus is on increasing production of key munitions.
The goal is to support U.S. defense needs and readiness.
This action addresses supply chain challenges for military equipment.
The DPA allows the government to direct companies to prioritize certain contracts.
This is part of broader efforts to enhance national security.
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Luigi Mangione is facing a state murder trial for the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His lawyers will argue that he was under extreme emotional distress when the incident occurred. The trial will begin in September, and Mangione also faces federal charges for related crimes.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Mangione's lawyers plan to use a psychiatric defense, saying he had extreme emotional disturbance.
A weapon possession charge against Mangione was dropped by prosecutors.
A recent court hearing was delayed because prosecutors failed to notify Mangione to appear.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.
His state trial is scheduled to start on September 8, 2025.
Jury selection for a related federal stalking trial begins on October 5, 2025.
Opening statements for the federal trial will be either October 26 or November 2, 2025.
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Luigi Mangione’s lawyers plan to use a psychiatric defense, claiming he was under extreme emotional distress when he killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A judge agreed to drop one criminal charge and ordered Mangione’s psychiatric records to be shared with prosecutors and made public.
Key Facts
Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan in December 2024.
His lawyers will argue he had an "extreme emotional disturbance" at the time of the killing.
The judge ordered Mangione’s psychiatric records to be given to prosecutors and made public.
One criminal count about possession of a large ammunition magazine was dismissed.
Prosecutors agreed to drop that charge due to improper search of the magazine.
Mangione pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.
His state trial will start on September 8, 2026; federal trial is scheduled for next year.
Next court hearing for the state case is on August 11, 2026.
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Luigi Mangione will use a psychiatric defense in his state trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, claiming he was under “extreme emotional disturbance” during the incident. The judge allowed this defense to be presented and will make related court records public, even though Mangione faces separate federal charges, including stalking, related to the same case.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is charged with killing Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione plans to argue he was in “extreme emotional disturbance” to avoid a normal prison sentence.
The judge allowed this psychiatric defense and will release related court documents publicly.
Mangione’s attorney opposed releasing the documents, citing concerns about a related federal trial.
Mangione faces separate federal charges, including stalking, with his federal trial set for October 13 and state trial on September 8.
Brian Thompson was shot in December 2024 outside a Manhattan hotel during a UnitedHealth investor conference.
Surveillance showed a masked gunman; recovered ammunition had words critical of the insurance industry.
Police arrested Mangione in Pennsylvania five days after the shooting with a 3D-printed gun matching the murder weapon.
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Candidates are making their final efforts to win the Makerfield by-election, which could influence who leads the Labour Party and becomes the next prime minister. Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate, aims to return to Parliament and may challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for party leadership if elected.
Key Facts
The Makerfield by-election is taking place due to the resignation of former MP Josh Simons.
Andy Burnham, current Greater Manchester Mayor and Labour candidate, grew up in Makerfield and hopes to win the seat.
Burnham may challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party if he becomes an MP again.
Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, is the main rival and finished second in the 2024 general election in this area.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is campaigning locally to support Kenyon.
Other candidates include a Conservative former mayor, a Liberal Democrat councillor, a Green Party councillor, and a new party called Restore Britain.
The by-election results could affect the future leadership of Labour and Britain’s prime ministership.
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will stop flights after noon on July 4. This is because of air shows and fireworks happening in Washington, D.C. that day.
Key Facts
Reagan National Airport will close to flights after 12 p.m. on July 4.
The closure is due to aerial rehearsals, performances, and fireworks planned for the holiday.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced the flight restrictions on Tuesday.
Many celebrations are scheduled in Washington, D.C. for the country's 250th anniversary.
The airport closure affects both arriving and departing flights.
The restrictions are meant to keep the airspace safe during the events.
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Senator Susan Collins from Maine said she does not regret voting to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court in 2018. However, she expressed disappointment that Kavanaugh joined the conservative majority in 2022 to overturn the constitutional right to abortion.
Key Facts
Susan Collins is a Republican senator from Maine.
She voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court in 2018.
Collins said she does not regret that vote.
In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion.
Kavanaugh was part of the conservative majority in that decision.
Collins said she feels disappointed about the abortion ruling.
Her comments were made in an interview with News Center Maine.
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City Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist, is leading the Washington, D.C. Democratic primary for mayor. She has nearly 53% of the vote, which puts her significantly ahead of her closest competitor.
Key Facts
Janeese Lewis George is currently a member of the D.C. City Council.
She identifies as a democratic socialist.
The mayoral race is to replace Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is retiring.
Lewis George has about 53% of the vote in the Democratic primary.
She leads her closest opponent by roughly 16 percentage points.
The primary election took place on a recent Tuesday.
The results indicate a strong chance of Lewis George becoming the next mayor of Washington, D.C.
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Vice President Vance criticized some Republican lawmakers who oppose the Iran deal, saying it is ironic that they do not want the war to end. Senators from both political parties are asking for the full details of the agreement signed recently.
Key Facts
Vice President Vance made a statement on Tuesday about the Iran deal.
He called it "kind of ironic" that some GOP critics do not want the war to stop.
The deal referenced is a memorandum of understanding signed over the weekend.
Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties want to see the full text of the agreement.
The discussion centers around the Iran deal and its impact on ending the conflict.
Senators are pressing for more transparency about the deal’s terms.
The debate reflects differing opinions within the U.S. government on how to handle the situation with Iran.
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Luigi Mangione appeared in a Manhattan state court after missing a scheduled appearance due to a paperwork mistake. He faces state and federal charges related to the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione missed a court appearance earlier this week because of a paperwork error.
He appeared in court on Wednesday, wearing handcuffs and a suit without a tie.
Mangione is charged with second-degree murder and other counts in state court.
His state trial is set to begin on September 8, 2025.
He also faces federal stalking charges in connection to the case.
The victim, Brian Thompson, was killed on a New York City street in December 2024.
The case caused a large manhunt and public anger toward the US healthcare system.
A closed-door court hearing was held in early June despite objections from the press.
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Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to killing eight women in the Gilgo Beach case and will be sentenced to life in prison. His ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, will not attend the sentencing to respect the victims and their families.
Key Facts
Rex Heuermann admitted to murdering eight women over 17 years and pleaded guilty in April 2024.
He strangled the victims and dismembered some bodies, many of whom were sex workers.
Heuermann’s ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, shares a daughter with him but is not involved in the crimes.
Ellerup chose not to attend the sentencing to keep the focus on the victims and their families.
The investigation used vehicle records and DNA from discarded pizza crusts to link Heuermann to the murders.
Heuermann was arrested in July 2023 after DNA evidence connected him to one of the crime scenes.
The victims include Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, and others found near Gilgo Beach, Long Island.
Family members of the victims are expected to be present at the sentencing hearing.
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Joy Behar, a co-host of the TV show "The View" and known for criticizing President Donald Trump, said she does not think Vice President Vance is a bad person. She also mentioned that a possible election between Vice President Vance and California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2028 would be interesting.
Key Facts
Joy Behar co-hosts the TV show "The View."
She has been a strong critic of President Donald Trump.
Behar said she does not believe Vice President Vance is a bad person.
She spoke about a potential 2028 election between Vice President Vance and Governor Gavin Newsom.
Gavin Newsom is the current governor of California and a Democrat.
The conversation suggests interest in future U.S. presidential elections.
Vice President Vance is being considered as a presidential candidate in 2028.
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A new study shows that many American parents are worried about being able to afford enough food for their children. Rising prices, especially for gas and energy, are making it harder for families to buy food, leading some parents to skip meals or cut back on other essentials.
Key Facts
67% of parents are more concerned about feeding their children now compared to last year, up from 44% in 2024.
51% of surveyed households struggled to afford enough food in the past year.
The study was done by HelloFresh and No Kid Hungry, surveying 2,000 parents of children aged 5 to 18.
87% of parents said the economy is making it harder to afford food.
Rising gas and energy costs contribute to families’ difficulties in feeding themselves.
Inflation rose 4.2% annually as of May 2024, the fastest increase since April 2023.
Many parents are skipping meals or using savings to buy food.
Food insecurity is especially high among lower-income and less educated households.
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Phillip Ensler is running for office in Alabama, a state in the southern United States. He is considered different from typical candidates in that region.
Key Facts
Phillip Ensler is a political candidate in Alabama.
Alabama is located in the Deep South of the United States.
Ensler's background or views make him stand out in his area.
The article focuses on his readiness to compete in an election.
Ensler represents a less common type of candidate for Alabama voters.
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Vice President JD Vance said the full details of the Iran deal will be shared by Friday. He stated that the deal is beneficial for the United States and that the Strait of Hormuz will open right away.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance appeared on CBS Mornings to talk about the Iran deal.
He said the specific details of the deal have not been released yet but will be by Friday at the latest.
Vance described the deal as good for the American people.
He mentioned that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, will open immediately after the deal.
The discussion also touched on the impact of gas prices and national security concerns related to the deal.
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The FBI uncovered a plot by a group of men to attack a UFC event at the White House during President Trump’s 80th birthday celebration. The plan involved using explosive drones to cause chaos and target government officials and others, motivated by anti-government and extremist beliefs.
Key Facts
The plot targeted the UFC Freedom 250 event held near the White House, marking President Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th year.
Five men from Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, and California were charged in connection with the plot.
The idea was to use drones with explosives to cause a stampede and attack officials and business leaders.
The group communicated through a TikTok group and encrypted chats on the Signal app.
The alleged ringleader was Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, nicknamed “Shepherd.”
The group held a mix of beliefs, including anti-government sentiment, antisemitism, and ultrareligious views.
Authorities see this as part of a new trend in terrorism combining anti-elite feelings, encrypted coordination, and cheap technology like drones.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security had identified the UFC event as a symbolic high-profile target, though no credible threat was confirmed until the plot was uncovered.
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