Before you brew your first cup of coffee and start feeling sick with a bad case of the Monday's, here are 10 things to keep you in the know to make you more informed than your friends.
1. Netanyahu Threatens Trump-Backed Israel-UAE Alliance
Tensions are growing in the Middle East between Israel and the United Areb Emirates (UAE) as the key alliance hits a critical standoff. The UAE is actively investigating a series of drone attacks while Saudi Arabia claims they've intercepted three drones from Iraqi air-space. This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to a secret meeting with UAE leadership which led to damaged trust between different factions involved.
2. Trump Issues Warnings Against Iran
President Donald Trump has delivered renewed warnings to Iran, announcing the "clock is ticking" and urging Tehran to move quicker to an agreement regarding nuclear negotiations and regional security. In a Truth Social post, Trump said "better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them."
3. Trump Lands Victory as Back-Candidate Shakes Up Louisiana
Louisiana incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy was defeated in the GOP primary contest as Trump-endorsed candidates ousted him from the ticket. Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming finished ahead of Cassidy and will move on to a runoff election. This race lands the president a major win as he sees an increase in rejecting dinosaur Republicans.
4. Trump Takes Aim at Rep. Massive in GOP Fight
After targeting Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana (and winning), the president sets his newest influence on Kentucky as he takes on the GOP primary race against incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie. Trump has endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein after labeling Massie a "loser" after months of tension from repeated spending bill negotiations and foreign policy failures from Massie's office.
5. Senate Blocks White House/Ballroom Security Plan
The Senate has ruled that tying provisions to the White House upgrades and President Trump's $1B ballroom project could not remain in the reconciliation package. Senators claimed the measure did not meet Senate requirements, forcing lawmakers to reconsider how to pass the crucial funding bill to increase much-needed White House security.
6. Taiwan Pushes Against China Claim as Tensions Rise
Taiwan is pushing back against pressure from China after their summit with the United States, claiming that Beijing is responsible for the instability in the region. Taiwanese officials have stressed peace and stability but claimed that China's growing military activity and aggression continue across the area.
7. Mid-Air Collision at Idaho Air Show
Two U.S. Navy Jets collided during a Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho's Mountain Home Air Force Base created a terrifying fireball in the sky. All four crew members ejected in time as spectators on the ground were left stunned with block smoke swallowing the skies. Officials confirmed all four members survived.
8. Russian Drone Strike on Chinese Ships Add New Interest in Putin-Xi Summit
A Russian Drone strike hit a Chinese cargo ship passing through the Black Sea near Ukraine's Odesa region as Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in just a few days. Ukraine officials reported no injuries and limited damage to the ship, however, they signal the expanding risk of Russia's war plans.
9. LIRR Strike Leaves New Yorkers Outraged
Striking LIRR workers have brought light to outrageous spending as many employees earn over $100,000 in overtime alone, with at least a dozen workers collecting more than $200,000 in overtime. This lauded overtime system now accounts for 22% of LIRR payroll as outdated union rules remain unanswered. New York Governor Kathy Hochul lobbied the strike to throw shade at GOP front-runner Bruce Blakeman to pick up more votes.
10. Hantavirus Cruise Ship Lands in Netherlands
The HV Mondius cruise ship at the center of the antivirus outbreak has docked in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where officials will begin a disinfection process. The ship arrived with a small number of crew members and medical personnel onboard after passengers disembarked and placed under quarantine. Health officials claim the outbreak has been linked to 10 confirmed cases.
