Before you brew your first cup of coffee and read the biased headlines on legacy-media newspapers, here's 10 things to keep you in the know to make you more informed and smarter than your friends.
1. DHS Shutdown Ends Without Funding ICE
President Donald Trump signed a Senate-passed and House-approved funding bill to end the record 76-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The bill was passed with the exception of funding any of the department's immigration enforcement agencies, which was the catalyst to the prolonged shutdown. Agencies like the Coast Guard, FEMA and the TSA now have something to celebrate after struggling to manage operations during the last months.
2. Senate Rejects 6th Democratic Effort to Shutdown Trump's War Powers
The Senate has rejected the Democratic-led effort to cut and limit President Trump's war powers and authority in regards to operations in Iran. The measure led by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-California) sought to remove American forces from the Middle East but came short, resulting in a 47-50 vote.
3. War Powers Deadline Looms with Trump Facing Next Steps
The 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973 comes today, as President Trump now faces crucial next steps with the Iran conflict. The President is now legally required to either seek congressional authorization or to end the conflict entirely. Officials within the Trump administration are in active talks with members of Congress for that approval, while other officials claim that since the cease-fire the deadline restarts.
4. Maine Gov. Janet Mills Drops Out of Senate Race
Janet Mills, democratic Governor of Maine, has announced her withdrawal from the race for U.S. Senate, citing a lack of funding and momentum. This move paves the way for progressive and controversial newcomer Graham Platner to face incumbent Republican Susan Collins for the seat in November.
5. Trump Launches Retirement Accounts for Workers Without 401(k)s
President Trump has signed an executive order creating a new path for millions of hard-working Americans without employer-sponsored 401(k) plans to access retirement plans. The bill will match contributions of up to $1,000 annually for eligible low- and middle-class workers by launching a new online TrumpIRA.gov on January 1st, 2027.
6. Trump Pulls Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination
President Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Dr. Casey Means for U.S. Surgeon General after months of stalled progress in the Senate. The President replaced her nomination with physician and media personality Nicole Saphier, switching the picks to ease growing pressure against Means' medical resume.
7. 5 People Injured in Stabbing at Washington State High School
Four students and a school security officer were wounded in a stabbing attack at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma, Washington. The suspect, a student, was detained by authorities and taken into police custody while the motive is unknown. Four victims are in critical condition while the other victim sustained only minor injuries.
8. Missing Oklahoma GOP Candidate Found Dead
Barry Christian, 54-year-old Republican Oklahoma State Senate candidate, was found dead in his pickup truck in a rural area after being reported missing two days prior. An investigation is underway by state authorities after he failed to attempt a scheduled meeting along his campaign platform.
9. House Sends 45-Day FISA Extension to Trump
Speaker Mike Johnson and the House of Representatives have approved of a 45-day extension of controversial surveillance authority, sending the measure to President Trump's desk. The extension has made many along both party lines are divided over privacy protection and potential abuse that had stalled effort to reach a long-term deal.
10. Camp Mystic Will Not Open This Summer After 2025 Flood
Texas summer camp, Camp Mystic, has withdrawn its application for a 2026 licence and opted not to reopen its doors after the devastating flood that killed more than two dozen attendees and staff. Mounting pressure from families and ongoing investigations all factored into the decision to respect the victims and their families by not opening this upcoming season
