A Mid-Atlantic state at a crossroads of history and policy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Senate Appropriations Committee the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn so far and that the Pentagon needs an $87bn supplemental request, including about $67bn for the Iran campaign. Lawmakers have challenged the figures, criticised shifting rationales for the conflict and warned funding gaps will force cuts to training and readiness.
Drones and missiles target Saudi energy infrastructure amid a broader surge in US-Iran hostilities. Riyadh says the attacks were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias; Iraqi authorities condemn the strikes while Yemen’s Houthis claim to have attacked Saudi shipping. The lull in fighting is punctuated by new strikes across the region as mediators push for talks.
Environmental groups say California's new plastic packaging rules weaken protections and plan to sue, arguing exemptions undermine the law; regulators defend the compromise as a meaningful step toward reducing waste while industry warns of higher costs and practical hurdles.
California has launched Golden State Start, a statewide program delivering 400 free diapers to all newborns discharged from participating hospitals. The initiative, run in partnership with Baby2Baby, is funded with about $20 million over current and next year and aims to ease early parenting costs. Critics question cost, governance, and potential ties to political networks.
Honda has issued a recall affecting 880,514 rear-suspension-equipped vehicles across multiple models in the U.S. and elsewhere, citing potential subframe corrosion that could lead to rear-suspension failure. Honda and Acura dealers will inspect and repair or reinforce the rear subframe at no cost, with notices mailing July 7. Separately, Stellantis is recalling over 1.3 million Wrangler/Gladiator models for a wiring harness risk that could cause fires.
A hospital shooting in Wilmington has been reported around 3:30 p.m. Local officials say the attack appears targeted and isolated. The second victim’s condition remains unclear as police search for a suspect who remains at large. Emergency operations were diverted to keep patients and staff safe while the lockdown was lifted late Tuesday night.
Investors and analysts are weighing the possibility of a SpaceX–Tesla merger as both firms push ambitious AI and hardware programs. SpaceX’s IPO has underscored Elon Musk’s unique control of multiple unicorns, while observers debate whether a combined entity would unlock synergies or raise legal hurdles.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
As the 250th anniversary of independence approaches, scholars argue John Dickinson’s contributions have been overlooked. Calvert, founder of the John Dickinson Writings Project, emphasizes Dickinson’s push for gradual independence and legal protections for the vulnerable, challenging the enduring image of him as a marginal figure.
JPMorgan has been ordered to continue advancing Javice’s legal fees as the Delaware court rules the bank did not prove the fees were unmistakably unreasonable. Javice faces a seven-year prison sentence and a multi-million-dollar restitution order from her conviction for defrauding JPMorgan in the Frank deal.
Across the United States, the 250th anniversary is being marked with large city celebrations and small-town gatherings as Americans celebrate liberty amid heat waves and political divisions. The government has organized big-city events while thousands join parades, concerts, and community activities from Nebraska to Texas.
Jewish Americans are increasingly feeling politically homeless as support for Israel and concerns about antisemitism divide Democrats and Republicans. A recent AP-NORC poll shows most Jewish adults feel neither party represents them well, with many invoking fear and isolation amid the Gaza war’s ongoing political fallout.
Lindsey Graham’s death triggers an interim appointment and a high-stakes Aug. 11 special primary to replace him. Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary successor, while Republicans eye potential contenders including Darline Graham Nordone, Nancy Mace and others as the field gears up for a crowded race.
A sweeping heat dome has kept tens of millions under heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Overnight temperatures are failing to cool, heightening health risks and straining power grids. El Niño is intensifying the heat, and cooling centers, water, and hydration remain critical.
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to leafy greens is expanding across the United States. Michigan reports thousands of cases as authorities investigate a potential link to Taco Bell and other produce sources. Health officials warn the outbreak is likely to continue through August; precautions include thoroughly washing produce or cooking it.
President Trump has delivered a primetime address releasing declassified intelligence he says shows China acquired large volumes of U.S. voter data and that officials hid reports about foreign efforts to target U.S. elections. Journalists, former intelligence officials and state authorities have said the documents do not prove foreign actors altered 2020 vote counts and many of the administration's claims have been disputed.
Canadian wildfire smoke is spreading toward the Great Lakes and Northeast, pushing air quality into unhealthy ranges. Officials warn residents to stay indoors, wear masks where needed, and prepare cooling options as heat intensifies.
British judges have ordered a full inquest into Jools Sweeney's 2022 death after fresh social media evidence was identified, overturning a 23-minute original inquiry that did not examine digital life. The ruling also prompts wider questions about how platforms preserve data for coroners and may influence new legal standards.
Trump has claimed that China accessed 220 million US voter records, alleging the 2020 election was affected. Multiple outlets say the evidence is unsubstantiated and that intelligence assessments did not show foreign interference or vote manipulation. The narrative continues ahead of the midterms, with opponents urging voters to focus on issues.
The CDC and FDA have tied a cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce from a Mexican supplier. Taco Bell and other chains have removed affected lettuce as the investigation continues; about 7,000 cases have been reported across 34 states.
Global wildfire smoke from Ontario and other Canadian fires is driving dangerous air quality across the US Midwest and Northeast. President Trump is pressing Canada over forest management, while Ontario faces evacuations and aid efforts. Canadian fires have intensified amid a hotter, drier climate.
The Third Circuit has ruled that New Jersey's assault-weapons ban and its large-capacity-magazine limits are unconstitutional. The decision, the first of its kind from a federal appeals court, comes as the Supreme Court weighs challenges to similar bans. New Jersey vows to review options as other states have enacted stricter controls.
The Oversight Project has released hundreds of hours of audio and transcripts from Biden's memoir negotiations, revealing discussions on classified material from his vice presidency. The material, sought by Republicans, is at the center of ongoing battles over privacy, DoJ involvement, and the handling of sensitive information.
The BBC seeks documents from Trump’s trust to prove possible financial damages tied to a Panorama edit of January 6, while Trump’s side fights to limit disclosures. The Florida case hinges on discovery and whether the footage edits caused reputational and financial harm.
The U.S. has intensified air strikes in response to Iranian attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. Casualty tallies are disputed as Pentagon data shifts and new categories appear on the casualty system. Diplomatic efforts show no immediate progress amid renewed tensions over shipping routes.
Federal filings show the Department of Energy terminated hundreds of Biden-era energy grants in October based on political alignment of states, prompting Democratic leaders to condemn the move as an abuse of power. The White House says decisions were apolitical.