Before you brew your first cup of coffee and get blasted by unbearable heat that not even air conditioning can fix, here are 10 things to keep you in the know to make you more informed than your friends.
1. Gallrein Delivers Big Win for Trump, Defeating Massie in Kentucky Primary
Ed Gallrein, former Navy SEAL and Kentucky farmer, defeated Republican incumbent Thomas Massie in the Kentucky primary to advance his campaign to November. This is a huge victory for Gallrein and President Donald Trump, who scored big with primary victories against GOP critics across the country. Gallrein's ten-point victory underscores Trump's influence and importance throughout the United States, after the president called Massie the "worst Republican congressman in history."
2. Senate Votes to Limit Trump's War Powers
The Senate advanced a new war powers resolution to limit President Trump's authority to continue military action against Iran after seven failed attempts to do so. Senators approved the resolution to a vote of 50 to 47, with four Republicans flipping party lines to approve the measure; including Bill Cassidy of Louisiana who was recently ousted by a Trump-backed challenger in his primary. This resolution will remove United States military forces within or against Iran, unless the president has congressional authorization to declare war.
3. DOJ-Trump Settlement Bans IRS from Taking Action Against President
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is banned from pursuing cases tied to President Trump's past tax returns, his family and businesses. Trump's long-running legal battle over exposed records comes to a close as he's given protection beyond the lawsuit terms. The settlement also includes the creation of an "Anti-Weaponization Fund" which aims to compensate targeted political figures.
4. Pennsylvania Governor's Showdown Set Between Sharpio-Garrity
Pennsylvania is headed towards a critical governor's race between incumbent Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro against Republican State Treasurer and Trump-backed Stacy Garrity. Neither opponents faced competition from their parties, advancing to the gubernatorial ticket. Shapiro highlights a highly contested race in the state, as he may eye a race for the White House in 2028.
5. GOP Runoff in Georgia's Senate Race
Georgia has not found its Republican challenger for Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff's seat, as Rep. Mike Collins and Derek Dooley face off in a runoff election next month. Collins, Republican US Representative of Georgia, and Dooley, former college football coach, battled against three other hopefuls to make the runoff. Both Collins and Dooley support the president, however, Trump has withheld his endorsement thus far.
6. Trump Hands Endorsement to Paxon in Texas Runoff
President Trump has officially endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the GOP Runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. President Trump has labeled Paxton as a "true MAGA warrior" after Cornyn was late to support the president in a post on TruthSocial. This endorsement was highly coveted between the two candidates as Paxton will face Democratic nominee James Talarico.
7. New Details Emerge in San Diego Mosque Massacre from Livestream
A livestream of the two teenage gunmen in the San Diego Mosque massacre that left three people dead has emerged with disgusting and cynical details. Caleb Vasquez, 18, urged his accomplice Cain Clark, 17, to shoot him in the head during a livestream broadcast going around social media. The broadcast captured the two gunmen fleeing the scene, pointing guns towards their heads until finally Clark shoots Vasquez in the head before turning the pistol on himself. The FBI is investigating the livestream video.
8. Ilham Omar Under DOJ Investigation, According to Vance
Vice President JD Vance announced Tuesday that Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar is under a DOJ investigation for potential immigration fraud. This isn't Omar's first time under the microscope, as she's battled questions over her immigration status for years and her ties to COVID-era fraud schemes in Minnesota. Vance claimed earlier this year that Omar "definitely committed immigration fraud."
9. Mamdani Under Fire Over Press Credentials to Mangione Fangirls
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his office has drawn wide outrage over its presumed decision to give Luigi Mangione supporters press badges. Mangione appeared in court Monday with a trio of fan girls seen wearing credentials usually designed to give journalists access to reporting.
10. Three Stabbed at Rhode Island Beaches
Three people were stabbed in separate incidents across Rhode Island beaches, including Narragansett Town Beach. Investigators are still uncovering the identity of the suspects and if there was a motive or link to these stabbings.
