Before you brew your first cup of coffee and start cursing out the government for not fixing the potholes on the way to work, here are 10 things to keep you in the know to make you more informed than your friends.
1. Three Killed At San Diego Mosque
A nightmare scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego emerged when two teenage gunmen opened fire, killing three people before taking their own lives. Authorities have already identified the suspects and found anti-Islamic writings and material in their possession, treating the attack as a hate crime.
2. Ebola Outbreak Causes Global Alarm
Health officials are ringing the alarm on a rare strain of Ebola that is spreading across parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has labeled this outbreak as a public health emergency as the cases continue to grow and the death roll rising to 131.
3. Trump-IRS Lawsuit Reaches Settlement
President Donald Trump has reached a settlement to end his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax records, putting a close to years-long legal battle. The agreement's terms include Trump dropping the suit in exchange for an apology and the start of a $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund, created to compensate people who have been unfairly targeted by the government.
4. Trump-Massie Fund Highlights Primary Season
President Trump and Kentucky's Republican primary candidate Thomas Massie has highlighted the primary season with six states preparing to hold key primary elections. The showdown between the Massie and Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein has become the most explosive primary race, with millions being poured into his campaign with repeated support for Gallrein.
5. Supreme Court Hands Voting Rights Cases to Lower Courts
The Supreme Court has sent major voting rights cases from Mississippi and North Dakota back to their lower courts. The cases both center on private citizens and advocacy groups continuing to challenge election maps and voting practices they believe weaken minority voting. The North Dakota case involves Native American tribes while the Mississippi case is focused on majority-Black districts.
6. Key Evidence Ruling Reshapes Luigi Mangione Trial
A New York judge will allow key evidence from the jurors in the case of Luigi Mangione as this high-profile murder trial takes center stage in September. The evidence includes the gun which is believed to be used in killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the notebook that includes Mangione's manifesto and movies. However, the judge also said belongings found in his backpack cannot be used at the trial.
7. Maduro Ally Deported to US Over Corruption Probe
A close ally to former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has been deported to the United States as he faces federal charges linked to a billion-dollar corruption operation involving food and oil programs. Alex Saab is being accused of orchestrating the scheme and is at the center of a broader investigation inside the Venezuelan government.
8. Cuban President Downplays U.S. Threat
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is denying concerns over reported military expansion and drone capabilities. Diaz-Canel insists that Cuba plays "no threat" towards the United States and has no aggressive intentions towards Americans or their allies.
9. LIRR Strike Ends with Deal Reached
The Long Island Rail Road strike has come to an end after the MTA and major rail unions reached an agreement, ending the three-day walkout. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the deal by providing raises for workers. Rail services are expected to return fully.
10. Musk Loses Lawsuit Battle Against Rival Altman
Elon Musk was handed a loss in his lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Alton, as the federal jury unanimously ruled that the company can continue with their expansion. Jurors ruled that Musk waited too long to bring the legal challenges, ending the case on procedural grounds rather than on merit.
