Author: Loisa Lane

Heightened security measures are in place for the America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C., designated a “national special security event” overseen by the Secret Service. Approximately 5,000 National Guard troops are stationed, and attendees will face stringent screening at the festivities, with no specific threats reported.

President Trump is considering pardons primarily for individuals convicted of emissions and Clean Air Act violations, with a meeting scheduled to discuss recommendations. Notably, Sean Combs and Prakazrel Michel are among those seeking clemency, but neither is expected to be on the final list.

President Trump described the United States’ relationship with NATO as “ridiculous” and “one sided,” criticising European allies for their response to the war in Iran ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. He indicated a desire for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defence.

David Hearn, 67, has been indicted by a D.C. grand jury on a felony charge of vandalism at the Washington, D.C., Reflecting Pool. Accused of damaging the pool’s sealant on June 19, Hearn faces potential prison time of up to 10 years if convicted. His case will proceed in D.C. Superior Court.

The FBI is intensifying its investigation into the 2020 election results in Fulton County, Georgia, dispatching analysts from field offices nationwide to assist with the review of thousands of records. The operation aims to mobilise 260 analysts by July 17 as part of a priority inquiry.

President Trump reported over $1 billion in crypto-related income last year, including $635 million from his $TRUMP token and more than $500 million from World Liberty Financial. He maintained this income reflects successful business ventures, despite criticism about potential conflicts of interest related to his presidency.

Emergency medical personnel responded to Sen. Mitch McConnell’s home on June 14 after a report of an unconscious person possibly experiencing cardiac arrest. The dispatch, reviewed by CBS News, noted CPR was in progress. McConnell was later hospitalised, but specific details regarding his condition remain unconfirmed.

The Justice Department has filed lawsuits against Virginia and California over laws it deems unconstitutional concerning the sale of firearms. Virginia’s law bans automatic weapons, while California’s law targets modifications of certain handguns. Both cases challenge restrictions seen as infringing on Second Amendment rights.

Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist, is projected to win Colorado’s First Congressional District Democratic primary with 49.3% of the vote. This marks a significant shift, as the district will have a new representative for the first time since the mid-1990s, replacing incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, who received 43.5%.

The Justice Department is investigating Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona for potential campaign finance violations following a whistleblower complaint. The probe examines Gallego’s use of campaign funds for family trips since 2019, including expenses for the Super Bowl incurred by a political action committee he co-founded.