President Donald Trump said he is delaying the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead U.S. intelligence in order to push Congress to act on a voter ID bill. Despite this, the Senate Intelligence Committee planned to go ahead with Clayton’s confirmation hearing.
Key Facts
President Trump delayed Jay Clayton’s nomination for intelligence director to pressure Congress on a voter ID bill.
The voter ID bill currently does not have enough support to pass in Congress.
The Senate Intelligence Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton.
Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the committee, said the hearing would continue unless Trump withdrew Clayton or told him not to appear.
Trump announced he will keep Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
Lawmakers from both parties opposed Pulte due to his lack of intelligence experience and political actions.
Opposition to Pulte led Trump to choose Jay Clayton instead.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
McDonald’s is bringing back its original fried apple pie in the U.S. for a limited time, tied to America’s 250th anniversary. The White House highlighted this return, showing President Donald Trump with McDonald’s bags, reinforcing his long-known connection with the fast-food chain.
Key Facts
McDonald’s original fried apple pie was first introduced in 1968 and mostly replaced by a baked version in 1992.
The fried apple pie is returning starting June 23 at many U.S. McDonald’s locations for a limited time.
The revival is linked to America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
President Donald Trump has a longstanding connection to McDonald’s, including a 2002 commercial and serving it to guests during his presidency.
The White House social media account shared a photo of President Trump with McDonald’s bags to promote the pie’s return.
The fried apple pie’s return contrasts with Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which promotes healthier lifestyles.
The U.S. Oil & Gas Association humorously commented on the fried pie return, referencing petroleum jelly’s use for minor burns.
The pie’s filling uses 100% American-grown apples and keeps the original fried crust recipe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, gave a speech criticizing transgender rights and multiculturalism in Australia, which drew strong criticism from advocacy groups and political opponents. Critics said her comments could increase hate and violence against transgender people and promote racist views.
Key Facts
Pauline Hanson spoke at the National Press Club about transgender issues and multiculturalism.
Hanson claimed transgender ideology affects many government areas but gave no evidence.
She said schoolchildren are being forced to accept dangerous ideas about gender.
Hanson opposed transwomen competing in women’s sports and wants to remove the sex discrimination commissioner.
Advocacy groups warn her speech could increase violence against LGBTIQ+ people.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Hanson’s speech copied right-wing views from the UK and US and was full of hate.
Hanson said Australia should be “monocultural,” which refugee groups and ethnic councils rejected as false and divisive.
Critics linked Hanson’s words to a rise in racism and attacks on multicultural communities in Australia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scott Bessent calls for the United States to create a strong industrial policy. He says Washington has avoided this for many years, but now it is necessary.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent made a speech about U.S. industrial policy.
He argues for serious government action to support American industries.
Washington has avoided making industrial policy for decades.
Industrial policy means the government helps guide and support key industries.
Bessent believes this is important for the U.S. economy and competitiveness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump delayed Jay Clayton’s nomination to lead U.S. intelligence to pressure Congress to pass a voter ID law. Despite the delay, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton promised to hold a hearing for Clayton’s nomination.
Key Facts
President Trump postponed Jay Clayton’s nomination for director of national intelligence.
Trump wants Congress to act on a voter ID bill before the nomination proceeds.
Tom Cotton, Republican senator and committee chairman, plans to hold the hearing regardless.
The move creates uncertainty about who will lead the 18-agency U.S. intelligence community.
A key government surveillance program recently expired amid political disagreements.
Trump had previously appointed Bill Pulte as acting director, which faced bipartisan opposition due to his lack of intelligence experience.
Senate Democrats and Republicans have expressed frustration with the White House’s handling of the situation.
The controversy is connected to the renewal of the surveillance program under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Luigi Mangione will use a psychiatric defense in his state murder trial for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This defense means Mangione admits to the killing but claims he was under extreme emotional distress when it happened, which could result in a lesser charge like manslaughter instead of murder.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione’s lawyers say he had "extreme emotional disturbance" at the time of the killing.
If the jury accepts this defense, he could be convicted of manslaughter, which carries a lighter sentence than murder.
This psychiatric defense is different from a "not guilty by reason of insanity" defense.
A secret hearing about the defense was held and recently unsealed by Judge Gregory Carro.
Mangione is also facing federal charges, including stalking, which do not allow this psychiatric defense.
His state trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026; the federal trial is set for October 13, 2026.
Brian Thompson was killed on December 4, 2024, in Manhattan as he walked to a UnitedHealth investor event.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
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.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
