Senate GOP declines to meet with parliamentarian on whether Trump tax cuts add to deficit

A top Iranian religious leader, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi, has issued a formal religious decree (fatwa) labeling former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "enemies of God." The fatwa urges Muslims worldwide to oppose them, escalating tensions amid already strained relations between Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just fiery rhetoric—it's a religious edict from a high-ranking cleric, which could stir up more hostility in an already volatile region. While fatwas don’t always translate to action, it signals deepening ideological divides and could fuel anti-Western or anti-Israeli sentiments among some groups. For global observers, it’s another worrying sign that Middle East tensions aren’t cooling anytime soon.

A young lion cub hit by a vehicle was successfully rehabilitated over five months by wildlife experts, who carefully balanced his recovery with ensuring he didn’t become too accustomed to humans. Now healthy and self-sufficient, he’s been released back into the wild—a rare win for conservation efforts.

Editor’s Note: Stories like this remind us that human-wildlife conflicts don’t always end tragically. The cub’s release is a small but meaningful victory, showing how patience and expertise can give animals a second chance—while keeping them wild where they belong.

Firefighters in North Idaho were reportedly attacked while trying to put out a fire over the weekend—an incident the state's governor, Brad Little, called out on social media. He praised the responders as "heroic," but details about who attacked them or why are still unclear.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about a fire—it's about the people who run toward danger getting targeted while doing their jobs. If first responders aren't safe, it raises serious questions about community trust and safety protocols. Plus, with the governor weighing in, this could spark bigger conversations about protecting emergency workers.

Firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, were caught in a terrifying ambush while battling a brush fire—a gunman opened fire on them, forcing authorities to issue a shelter-in-place alert for residents. The situation remains tense as details emerge.

Editor’s Note: First responders already face dangerous conditions, but targeted violence against them is alarming and rare. This incident raises questions about safety for emergency workers and could spark broader conversations about rising aggression toward public servants. It’s also a stark reminder of how quickly routine calls can turn deadly.

President Trump is pushing back against a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that says recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities only caused damage, not total destruction as he claimed. Meanwhile, he’s also pressuring Senate Republicans to pass his spending bill. NBC’s Vaughn Hillyard has the latest from the White House.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a war of words—it’s about credibility. If the IAEA’s assessment holds, it could weaken Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and fuel doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. military actions. Plus, with budget battles in the background, this adds another layer of tension to an already volatile situation.