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United States

PBS NewsHour

Trump Reads Children's Book on Usha Vance's Podcast

Former President Donald Trump participated in a podcast hosted by Usha Vance, where he read the children's book "Presidents Play!" The book showcases illustrations of presidents involved in sports and leisure activities at the White House.

Fox News — Politics

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Addresses Immigration and Inequality in July 4 Speech

In a speech on July 3, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed issues of immigration and social inequality, criticizing ICE agents and highlighting the contributions of immigrants to the nation. He emphasized the importance of unity and inclusivity in defining American identity, concluding with a call for collective action towards a more equitable society.

Washington Examiner

DOJ Encourages State Attorneys General to Investigate Oil Companies for Price Manipulation

The DOJ is urging state attorneys general to investigate oil companies for potentially manipulating gasoline prices. This follows a letter sent by the DOJ and FTC encouraging investigations under antitrust and consumer protection laws, referencing President Trump's claims about price gouging. The national average gas price has recently decreased to $3.82 per gallon.

The Daily Beast

Melania Trump's Adviser Discusses Denial of Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Melania Trump's adviser, Marc Beckman, explained that her recent denial of ties to Jeffrey Epstein was aimed at supporting victims. Beckman emphasized that the first lady's statement was intended to clarify her lack of connection to Epstein and to empower victims to speak out. The first lady made her remarks on April 9, 2026, and President Trump stated he was not informed of her address in advance.

cbsnews.com

Trump Considers Pardons for Pollution Violators and High-Profile Figures

President Trump is contemplating pardons for individuals convicted of emissions violations and is discussing clemency for high-profile figures, including Sean 'Diddy' Combs. A meeting was scheduled to review recommendations from advisers, but Combs was not expected to be on the list. The focus of the pardons is anticipated to be on Clean Air Act violations, following a recent trend of reduced environmental enforcement by the Justice Department.

ms.now

Bill Pulte terminates multiple intelligence officials as acting director

Bill Pulte, the acting director of national intelligence, has begun terminating dozens of intelligence officials, citing concerns about their performance. Former intelligence officials have criticized these actions, questioning the validity of the claims and Pulte's qualifications for making such decisions.

Washington Examiner

Key Democrats' Positions in Michigan Senate Primary

The Michigan Senate primary features a three-way race among Rep. Haley Stevens, Abdul el Sayed, and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow. The contest has drawn national attention due to endorsements from key Democratic figures, reflecting a broader debate within the party about its future direction ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Recent polls show el Sayed leading the race.

New York Times — US

Pilot Claims Bat Bite After Bats Enter Hotel Room

A pilot has filed a lawsuit alleging that bats entered his hotel room at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, leading to a bat bite. The bats reportedly accessed the room through an opening beneath an air-conditioning unit.

Washington Examiner

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding to Impact Midtown Manhattan Traffic

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding will take place on July 3, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, leading to street closures in Midtown Manhattan. The event, which can host up to 1,000 guests, has raised concerns among local business owners about its impact on traffic and operations. City officials have not provided details about the event, prompting calls for more transparency.

Guardian — US

Man Charged with Manslaughter Following Tesla Crash

Michael Butler has been charged with manslaughter after his Tesla Model 3 crashed into a home in Houston, Texas, resulting in the death of 76-year-old Martha Avila. Tesla reported that Butler had disabled the vehicle's self-driving mode before the incident, which occurred on June 19, 2026.

The Atlantic

The Role of Everyday Americans in Achieving Independence

The article examines the significant yet often overlooked role of ordinary Americans in the movement for independence from British rule. It highlights Peter Force's efforts to document the contributions of various communities and local committees, which played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the Revolution. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing these contributions in understanding America's founding.

abcnews.com

Trump Approves $846 Million in Disaster Relief for Republican-leaning States

President Donald Trump announced the approval of over $846 million in disaster relief funds for nine Republican-leaning states. The approvals have raised concerns about partisan disparities in FEMA aid, with a higher percentage of requests from Republican states being approved compared to those from Democratic states. Democratic senators are seeking greater transparency regarding the review process for disaster declaration requests.

nebraskapublicmedia.org

Venezuelan Man Sentenced After Altercation with ICE Officer in Bellevue

Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a Venezuelan man, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after pleading guilty to resisting arrest. Initially accused of attempting to choke an ICE officer, bystander videos contradicted this claim, leading to criticism of the law enforcement narrative by a federal judge.