Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: a self-governing U.S. territory
Federal judges have blocked elements of President Trump’s efforts to curb birthright citizenship and to centralise voter-roll control, and plaintiffs have asked courts to bar his new orders. Judges in Boston and Washington have issued injunctions preventing the Postal Service and other agencies from implementing parts of his election and citizenship directives ahead of the November midterms.
A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Minneapolis was diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after an unruly passenger attempted to breach the cockpit. The plane has landed safely, and authorities are investigating. No injuries are reported among the 147 passengers and six crew members.
A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after a passenger attempted to open exit doors and attacked a crew member. Off-duty staff and passengers helped restrain him before authorities arrested him in Miami. A separate Bluetooth-word incident on a Newark flight prompted a later security sweep and reboarding.
A US-registered Gulfstream G200 Galaxy has crashed near La Romana after declaring an emergency during a return to the Dominican Republic airport. The two crew members have died; MLB star Yadier Molina had been travelling with a group en route to Texas. Investigations are underway with authorities reviewing mechanical failures and weather factors.
AP News reports a widening probe ties multiple Puerto Rico officials to alleged corruption and interference in a key agency, prompting resignations and fresh scrutiny from Congress while the island battles outages and recovery delays.
Scotland fans have converged on Boston for the World Cup, driving bars to stock shortages and city-wide celebrations. The Scots mark their first World Cup appearance in 28 years with mass fanfare, including massed bagpipes, street celebrations, and notable moments like a traffic-cone tradition tied to Glasgow’s Duke of Wellington statue.
Coastal authorities have repeatedly stressed calm responses to rip currents as lifeguards warn that these powerful channels carry more than 100 drownings annually in the U.S., with more than 80% of beach rescues tied to them. This year, at least 21 fatalities have been recorded as scientists note currents can reach up to 8 feet per second. The public is urged to flip, float, and follow safety guidelines.
Usyk has vacated the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight belts to allow contenders to fight for them, a move that opens the division and sets the stage for new champions. Kabayel has become WBC champion, while Gassiev is poised to inherit the WBA title; IBF actions point toward Frank Sanchez or Moses Itauma as next contenders. The sport faces a reshuffle as Usyk pivots toward a final, high-stakes bout.
Two powerful earthquakes have struck near Caracas, killing thousands and injuring many more while triggering a major disaster response. The government reports rising tolls and widespread missing-persons amid damaged infrastructure and international aid efforts.
The Supreme Court has upheld Mississippi’s policy allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days, a decision that maintains state flexibility and could affect upcoming midterms. Justice Barrett writes for the majority, while Justice Alito dissents.
Auditors find that only a fraction of federal funds obligated for Puerto Rico’s grid recovery have been disbursed. The GAO warns that staff turnover, review delays and the debt burden at PREPA hinder progress. Outages persist as vegetation overgrowth remains a key cause.
A series of court rulings restricts high-profile political figures as Lula’s government pushes anti-deforestation efforts. Bolsonaro remains under house arrest for a 2022 coup attempt, while Bolsonaro’s political allies face ongoing legal actions amid a tense presidential race.
Multiple aircraft crashes across the Americas have been reported, with Bahamas Flamingo Air suspending flights after a Cessna 402 crash in North Andros, Bahamian PM Davis mourns, and investigations underway. One survivor from the Bahamas incident is confirmed amid confirmed casualties.
Caricom’s reparations commission has convened in London to press Britain on sovereignty, decolonisation and reparations, while seeking a framework for negotiations. Caribbean leaders say the region remains the most colonised and demand self-determination for overseas territories, debt relief, and a formal apology.
The House has cleared a key hurdle on bills to make daylight saving time permanent or standard time the year round. The debate centers on health, safety and daily life implications, with supporters arguing for more daylight and critics warning of darker winter mornings.
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.
The Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House to make daylight saving time permanent in most of the United States. Senate consideration is uncertain and health experts warn permanent DST could disrupt sleep, while some communities push for permanent standard time. The decision hinges on balancing public health, regional impacts, and the logistics of time-zone alignment.
Puerto Rico’s northeast faces 48-hour water rationing as heat persists. Officials warn that outages are spreading and infrastructure remains underfunded, with government and lawmakers pressing for accountability amid protests and protests.
Bird strikes have contributed to a high-profile helicopter crash in New York and a separate investigation into a long-dunken 1952 disaster. Authorities say birds struck helicopters during low-altitude flights, prompting safety reviews and potential flight-restrictions. Investigations have highlighted the risk to urban sightseeing and the need for clearer safety procedures.
The 86-year-old Paul Pelosi faces a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge and an unlawful-turn infraction after allegedly striking a legally parked car in Yountville on July 3 and driving away. No injuries were reported; Pelosi has a history of traffic infractions and a 2022 DUI conviction.
Defaults among federal student loan borrowers have surged after the pause ended, with around 9.5 million in default and more facing higher payments as the government ends the SAVE plan. The government has shifted repayment options and tightened relief, raising concerns about financial strain.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has suspended funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority after an ongoing investigation found widespread financial mismanagement, false certifications and improper payments. The authority has spent only a fraction of disaster recovery funds nine years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, with investigations pointing to misused administrative costs and unspent project money. The agency is considering next steps, including an appeal process.
The Pan Am Clipper Endeavor has been located deep in the Atlantic. Investigators say the 1952 disaster prompted preflight safety briefings and flotation equipment requirements. The 69 people aboard survived the initial ditching, but 52 died in the water. Modern exploration partners are highlighting how the find reinforces aviation-safety progress and memory for families.
Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto has died in Lebanon at 78, according to the PFLP. The Lod Airport attack of 1972 killed 26 people and shaped decades of militancy and regional politics. Okamoto lived in Lebanon under asylum, later facing forgery charges, and was celebrated by supporters as a fighter for the Palestinian cause.
Brazilian President Lula Da Silva is defending sovereignty as talks with the US fray over election interference fears. Milei’s rhetoric and Bolsonaros’ campaign moves intensify regional tensions ahead of Brazil’s October vote. Diplomatic spats include visa revocations and downgrades, amid a broader regional shift toward conservative leadership.
DoorDash has revised its fee structure to vary service fees by distance and order size while keeping a fixed merchant delivery fee. The change, rolled out in most of the United States with several markets excluded for now, aims to reflect the effort involved in deliveries and to improve fee clarity for shoppers.
DoorDash is expanding robot-assisted loading and drone delivery pilots in the US, highlighting a shift in delivery logistics. Dashers have completed loading gigs for Dot robots in Arizona, and the company says humans remain essential as autonomous tools scale. Separately, DoorDash Air drones are being developed in-house after FAA certification, with pilots and integrations planned for future rollout.
At the National Urban League conference, Kamala Harris has proposed revisiting the Electoral College, expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices, and considering statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. She frames these ideas as part of a broader push to engage voters and recalibrate U.S. institutions ahead of midterm battles.
The Jones Act waiver has been narrowed and extended for 90 days, with case-by-case reviews for voyages. The extension aims to keep fuel moving amid Iran-related disruptions, as prices remain volatile and the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.
Puerto Rico’s water rationing remains in effect for 48-hour cycles across San Juan and surrounding municipalities as drought and aging infrastructure strain supplies. Officials have not set an end date, while water trucks prioritize hospitals and elder care. The crisis, driven by dry weather and underinvestment in the water system, persists into August 2026.
USA Basketball has announced its 12-player roster for the Berlin World Cup, led by Breanna Stewart and a mix of veterans and first-time World Cup players. Sabrina Ionescu has been left off the squad, a decision that executives say weighs multiple factors as the team shifts toward a post-Olympic era.
Downtrodden Riley Roberts trudged out of ex- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s Elmhurst apartment Saturday taking a lonely walk with their shared pooch, Deco — the first glimpse of her je…
Two Miss Universe Canada contestants faced backlash for Indigenous-inspired costumes. Indigenous former winner Ashley Callingbull interrupted the broadcast to address concerns, calling for education and reconciliation. Organizers pledge guidelines and a cultural liaison to prevent future missteps.
Former pro boxer Prichard Colón has died at 33 after suffering lifelong brain injuries from a 2015 fight in Fairfax, Virginia, that left him in a 221-day coma. His death follows extensive lawsuits and ongoing questions about boxing safety.