DC is in the news because the DOJ is suing DC over voter data AND DC officials just greenlit the Commanders’ RFK Stadium deal. Brief bio: capital district, federal hub on the Potomac.
The 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee has narrowed to nine finalists who will compete for $50,000 and the coveted Scripps Cup in Washington, D.C. The event has moved back to Constitution Hall after years in Maryland, with Mina Kimes as host. Finals air tonight on ION and be streamed on spellingbee.com.
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.
The government has approved work restrictions and waivers affecting SNAP benefits in 23 states, affecting roughly one-third of participants. Sales may fall as shoppers shift to approved items or reduce spending, while major firms monitor changes and adjust product lines. Iowa has codified MAHA’s limits on synthetic dyes and ultra-processed foods in schools and SNAP purchases. Large brands are studying purchasing shifts, with some executives saying modifications have limited immediate impact.
Federal prosecutors have charged five men over an alleged plot to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn, with drones, snipers and a plan to trigger mass panic. The plot was disrupted by the FBI after encrypted messages and online chatter surfaced. The event coincided with President Trump’s 80th birthday and drew high-profile attendees. Investigators say the group discussed tearing down the United States to rebuild it.
The Supreme Court and federal courts have issued rulings shaping how the government can enforce immigration policy. Major decisions limit asylum processing at the border, define when someone “arrives” in the U.S., and curb court-based arrests, with implications for executive authority and due process.
A federal judge has blocked President Trump’s executive order on mail-in voting, preventing it from taking effect before November elections. The ruling follows lawsuits from Democratic-led states arguing the order oversteps presidential authority and intrudes on states’ election administration.
The DC district has reached a settlement with Sam O’Hara and will drop claims against the district and four MPD officers within three business days of payment; the dollar amount is undisclosed. The suits allege First Amendment and Fourth Amendment rights violations during a 2025 protest.